Emotional Tightrope in Indo-Maldives Relations

by Nilantha Ilangamuwa

The ongoing dispute between a select few individuals in one of the world’s behemoth nations and the tiniest sovereign state is a stark illustration of the contemporary diplomatic landscape heavily shaped by media biases and their exaggerated, contentious rhetoric. Unfortunately, a substantial portion of Indian analysts adopted a narrative that further inflamed tensions, giving the Maldivians reasons to amplify their dissent against India. In contrast, astute Maldivian analysts swiftly engaged in damage control, countering the repercussions spurred by the ceaseless prattle of inept politicians.

The Maldives’ shrewd pragmatism in forging alliances with major powers while safeguarding its autonomy is central to understanding its global approach. Unlike many larger nations in the region, including India, the Maldives evaded British colonization, strategically orchestrating a protectorate agreement in 1887 that preserved its political independence while deferring only on foreign affairs to London. Consequently, Malé never flew the British flag, and no British governor held sway, except during the threat posed by Japan in 1941 when Britain established a naval and air base at Addu Atoll in the southern reaches of the archipelago.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased his strategic response in a brief video highlighting Lakshadweep as an alternative destination to the Maldives, 35 days after meeting the newly elected President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai. The subsequent action in this video, not a mere coincidence but rather a calculated response with long-term aims aligned with the evolving policies of the Maldivian administration, echoes Otto von Bismarck’s perspective that politics is the art of the possible, the attainable — the art of the next best.

On the flip side, there is no cause for jubilation or satisfaction regarding the responses to the video by three young anti-Indian politicians in the Maldives who, a few days ago, exploited their social media platforms, proving in politics, nothing is contemptible.

The ensuing disgraceful comments directed at Prime Minister Modi prompted the government to issue clarifications, emphasizing that the statements emanated from individual members of the cabinet and did not reflect the official stance of the government. Foreign Affairs Minister Moosa Sameer aptly stated, “The recent remarks against foreign leaders and our close neighbors are unacceptable and do not reflect the official position of the Government of Maldives. We remain committed to fostering a positive and constructive dialogue with all our partners, especially our neighbors, based on mutual respect and understanding.”

President Muizzu, reveling in the triumph of his recent electoral victory, appears to be basking in the dubious glory of long-standing anti-Indian sentiments prevailing in the country. This revelry, however, exposes him as still ensnared in the psychological labyrinth typical of a mere politician. Despite his judicious decision to take swift action against his errant colleagues, suspending Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid from their positions as deputy ministers in the so-called Youth Ministry, the repercussions of their fervent anti-Indian rhetoric remain unpredictable.

The lingering discontent among the populace has the potential to ignite a fresh wave of violence, inevitably causing further harm to the nation. Simply seeking attention without a nuanced understanding of the intricate political dynamics within the region and the country offers no tangible benefits for individuals making such inflammatory remarks, either for society or personally.

Following decisive actions, President Muizzu swiftly embarked on a state visit to China, marking the first visit since assuming the presidency, where he reaffirmed the long-delayed Free Trade Agreement initiated in December 2014 and many more. Muizzu, under the banner of “India Out,” seeks to reshape the social fabric, leveraging existing political culture. His methods, irrespective of perception, place him on a precarious edge, with the stability of his presidency contingent on the outcomes of the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Having solidified his position within the party, Muizzu strategically secures loyalty by distributing governmental positions among senior figures in the PPM and the PNC, even appointing his wife. The lack of anti-defection laws in the Maldives introduces complications, as the repercussions of his juniors’ statements could greatly influence whether Muizzu continues to wield power unchecked or experiences a tumultuous political decline.

Feeble minds, devoid of strategic principles and ethical conduct, persist in their unabated campaign of animosity against India, shamelessly unleashing their vitriol through various social media channels. This toxic behavior, although not a recent development, has been an enduring characteristic of these politicians. On the contrary, India has unexpectedly taken these provocations more seriously than the juvenile politicians who, in their recent diatribes against India, never anticipated the sudden surge in popularity.

India’s strategic response seems to revolve around globally tarnishing Maldives’ reputation, utilizing its own carefully crafted narratives. However, this ploy is destined for a short-lived existence, as an entrenched ideological revolt against India continues to simmer throughout the region. Those fanning the flames of anti-India sentiment perceive India not as a benevolent caretaker in times of need but as a manipulator, underscoring the pivotal role played by strategies and counter-strategies in this ongoing narrative.

Acknowledging deep cultural, ethnic, and economic ties between the Maldives and India is crucial. Historical connections are evident in linguistic roots, shared exposure to Hindi music, and a history of educational exchanges. Recent collaborations, notably in healthcare, exemplify India’s pivotal role, as seen in the timely supply of Covishield vaccines during the pandemic peak. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital stands as a tangible testament to India’s enduring assistance, and India remains a primary source of tourists for the Maldives, enhancing the bilateral relationship.

Both nations strengthened ties through agreements, including significant financial support for maritime connectivity and credit lines. Despite this positive trajectory, the Maldivian current administration holds diverse sentiments towards India, ranging from nationalist fervor against military presence to concerns about transparency in agreements. Doubts persist over projects like the new police academy and Uthuru Thila Falhu, fueled by baseless rumors. Despite reservations, the overall relationship, which reached new heights in the previous administration, now faces challenges.

India’s understanding of the internal power dynamics in the Maldives seems miscalculated, considering its profound strategic and economic interests in the region. The Maldives strategically holds a pivotal position in the Indian Ocean Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC). Its historical context, from British operational bases to Soviet attempts for naval facilities, underscores its significance. India’s concerns about the Maldives’ strategic location heightened after the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack, with reports suggesting the potential adversarial use of the Maldives’ position in the region.

In the Maldives, prioritizing juvenile political mentality over mature diplomatic skills is not only foolhardy but also a perverse dance that revels in instant gratification, inflicting unimaginable pain on society. This misguided approach exposes a grotesque disparity between intent and justification, rendering any sympathetic validity null. It represents a condemnable manifestation of disregard, turning governmental relations into a mockery.

This is not a call for ‘India first’ or ‘India out,’ but an impassioned plea for the Maldives to strengthen its sovereignty and prioritize its interests under the banner of ‘Maldives First.’ The nation must not let political theatrics erode the core principles that have defined its history – true friendship and sovereignty. Vigilance is paramount against separatist forces exploiting public sentiment, as risking the essence that made this sovereign archipelago unique throughout history is not an option. Unfortunately, many countries and leaders in the world are yet to learn from the untold lessons to be learned from Ukrainian President Zelensky.