New Delhi:
The Maldives will not act to undermine India‘s security and views New Delhi as a “valued partner and friend”, and cooperation in several fields – including defence – will “always be a priority”, President Mohamed Muizzu said Sunday as he arrived in the national capital for his first bilateral visit.
Mr Muizzu – seen by some as a ‘pro-China’ leader who ran his election campaign on an ‘India Out’ platform – told a national English daily Maldives’ relationship with India is “built on respect and shared interests” and that Delhi has been, and is, one of his country’s largest trade and development partners.
The Maldives leader met Prime Minister Narendra Modi this afternoon; he received a ceremonial welcome from President Droupadi Murmu and Mr Modi at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
#WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu at Hyderabad House. The two leaders are holding a meeting here.
(Video: DD News) pic.twitter.com/P3oE9MVRay
— ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2024
“Maldives would never do anything to undermine security of India. While we enhance cooperation with other countries in various sectors, we remain committed to ensuring our actions do not compromise the security and stability of our region…” he told The Times of India in an extensive interview.
Mr Muizzu, while not naming China, also underlined his administration’s resolve to “fostering growth and development through diverse international collaborations”. He flagged his ‘Maldives First’ policy, saying “it is essential for the Maldives to diversify international relations and reduce over-dependence on any one country”. However, he said that such engagements would not undermine India’s interests.
“Respect for our neighbours and friends is embedded in our DNA,” he said as he also called on Indian tourists to return. “Indians make a positive contribution… Indian tourists are welcome,” he said, batting for his country’s most important economic sector, which took a hit last year after the diplomatic row.
This is Mr Muizzu’s first bilateral visit and the comments reflect growing bonhomie after a months-long diplomatic stand-off last year, over three Maldivian ministers’ comments about Prime Minister Modi after a social media post about Lakshadweep as an alternate tourist destination to the Maldives.
The Maldives’ Foreign Ministry distanced itself from the remarks and the ministers were suspended; two – Mariyam Shiuna and Malsha Shareef – resigned last month after the bilateral visit was confirmed.
And then the request in May – weeks before attending Mr Modi’s swearing-in ceremony – to remove 90 military personnel deployed to three aviation platforms gifted by India – also raised eyebrows.
Delhi accepted the request and replaced military personnel with “competent technical” staff.
The ejection of Indian military personnel and an ‘India Out’ agenda was seen as one of Mr Muizzu’s key poll promises. Pressed on these topics, the Maldives President said he “did what the people of Maldives asked of me”, but stressed India remains a key partner in efforts to secure regional stability.
“This historic relationship is intertwined like the roots of a tree… built on centuries of exchange and values shared. The relationship between the Maldives and India has always been strong…”
Earlier Mr Muizzu denied having an ‘India Out’ agenda but insisted his country had a “serious problem” with the presence of foreign military on its soil. “The people of Maldives do not want a single foreign soldier in the country,” news agency PTI quoted his comments to local website adhadhu.com.
Mr Muizzu also spoke about India-assisted infrastructure projects, like the Greater Male connectivity scheme and water and sewerage facilities for 28 islands in the archipelago.
India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said as he visited Male in August, during which recognises “common challenges and a shared interest in maintaining peace and security in the region”.
With input from agencies
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Debate Question:
Debate Question:
Given President Mohamed Muizzu’s stated commitment to not undermine India’s security while also pursuing a “Maldives First” policy that involves diversifying international relationships, how can the Maldives balance its ties with India and other global powers, particularly China, without compromising its geopolitical stability and sovereignty?
Discussion Points:
- India-Maldives Relations: Muizzu emphasizes that the Maldives views India as a “valued partner and friend,” which indicates a potential for strengthened bilateral ties. What measures should be taken to reinforce this partnership, especially in defense and economic cooperation, while addressing historical tensions?
- China’s Influence: As Muizzu is perceived by some as “pro-China,” how credible are his assurances regarding not undermining India’s security? What strategies should the Maldives adopt to engage with China while alleviating Indian concerns?
- Regional Stability: How can the Maldives maintain regional stability amidst competing interests from major powers like India and China? Does this require a neutral diplomatic approach, or can the Maldives afford to lean toward one side without backlash?
- Public Perception and Local Politics: Considering Muizzu’s campaign was centered on an ‘India Out’ narrative, how will his current diplomatic approach impact domestic politics? How can he convince his base that this new direction is necessary for the Maldives’ long-term prosperity?
- Tourism and Economic Dependency: With Indian tourists being a significant part of the Maldivian economy, how important is it for the Maldives to promote goodwill towards India? What economic strategies should the Maldives implement to diversify its tourism markets while ensuring Indian visitors feel welcomed?
This debate can explore the complexities and nuances of international relations in a region where power dynamics are continually shifting, and how the Maldives can navigate this landscape effectively.
**Debate Question:**
Debate Question:
Given President Mohamed Muizzu’s stated commitment to not undermine India’s security while also pursuing a “Maldives First” policy that involves diversifying international relationships, how can the Maldives balance its ties with India and other global powers, particularly China, without compromising its geopolitical stability and sovereignty?
Discussion Points:
- India-Maldives Relations: Analyze the historical relationship between India and the Maldives, focusing on economic, cultural, and security aspects. How has this relationship evolved, and what role does it play in the current geopolitical landscape?
- The Role of China: Examine the implications of China’s growing influence and presence in the Maldives. How does the Maldives’ engagement with China affect its relationship with India and the overall security dynamics in the Indian Ocean region?
- National Sovereignty vs. Regional Stability: Discuss the balance between maintaining national sovereignty and ensuring regional stability. How can the Maldives assert its independence while navigating pressures from larger powers like India and China?
- Public Opinion and Political Promises: Consider the impact of public sentiment in the Maldives regarding foreign military presence and the ‘India Out’ campaign. How should Muizzu navigate these domestic pressures while fostering international cooperation?
- Sustainable Development and Economic Dependence: Evaluate the Maldives’ economic dependence on tourism and foreign investment. What strategies should the government pursue to diversify its economy without alienating key partners like India?
- Military Presence and Security Arrangements: Analyze the strategic implications of the removal of Indian military personnel and what this means for Maldives’ defense policy. How can the Maldives ensure security without foreign military assistance?
- Future of Multilateral Cooperation: Explore avenues for the Maldives to engage with multiple international partners. What multilateral forums or alliances could be beneficial for the Maldives in asserting its interests while avoiding over-dependence on a single nation?
These discussion points can guide a nuanced debate on the complexities facing the Maldives in its foreign policy and international relations.
