• UGI USER
  • Apr 23, 2024
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INDIA’S APPROACH TO MALDIVES’ CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Syllabus:

GS 2 :

  • India and Neighbourhood Relation.

Why in the News?

  • The article discusses India’s approach towards the changing political scenario in Maldives, particularly President Mohamed Muizzu’s anti-India stance and the implications for bilateral relations.
Source: Brainkart

Political Dynamics in Maldives

  1. President Muizzu’s victory in the parliamentary elections was crucial for consolidating power within the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) and asserting his leadership.
  2. Dissent within Muizzu’s party, particularly from supporters of former President Abdulla Yameen, posed challenges and highlighted internal divisions.
  3. The parliamentary elections were pivotal in determining the ruling coalition’s strength and its ability to pursue legislative agendas effectively.
  4. Muizzu’s success in securing a “super majority” in the Majles signifies a significant shift in political dynamics and enhances the ruling party’s influence.
  5. The outcome of the elections sets the stage for potential policy reforms and governance initiatives under Muizzu’s leadership.

Anti-India Stance in Maldives Politics

  1. President Muizzu’s political narrative has prominently featured an anti-India stance, reflected in campaign rhetoric and policy decisions.
  2. Moves such as requesting the withdrawal of Indian troops and cancelling agreements for hydrographic surveys signal a departure from previous diplomatic relations.
  3. Growing ties with Beijing, including infrastructure contracts, indicate a strategic shift towards China amid strained relations with India.
  4. The anti-India sentiment in Maldives politics poses challenges to bilateral relations and regional stability, necessitating careful diplomatic navigation.
  5. Despite political rhetoric, economic and security interests may compel Maldives to maintain a pragmatic approach towards engaging with India in the long term.

Domestic Context of Maldives Elections

  1. The Maldives Majlis election primarily revolved around domestic issues such as corruption, economic development, and housing.
  2. Internal governance challenges, including concerns about corruption and economic inequality, influenced voter sentiment and political alignments.
  3. The acquittal of former President Yameen likely bolstered support for the ruling coalition, contributing to its electoral success.
  4. Voter turnout and participation in the elections reflected public engagement with domestic governance issues and aspirations for change.
  5. The outcome of the elections will shape domestic policy agendas, legislative priorities, and governance frameworks in the Maldives.

India’s Response and Engagement Strategy

  1. India’s response to political shifts in Maldives has been characterized by cautious diplomacy and strategic engagement.
  2. Avoiding overreaction to provocative statements, India emphasizes dialogue and cooperation to safeguard mutual interests.
  3. Recognizing Maldives’ sovereignty in domestic affairs, India prioritizes sustained engagement to maintain bilateral relations.
  4. India maintains red lines on security matters while promoting economic and developmental cooperation with Maldives.
  5. Continued dialogue and cooperation with Maldives are essential for preserving regional stability and advancing mutual interests in the Indian Ocean region.

Strategic Significance of Maldives

  1. Geographically proximate to India, Maldives plays a crucial role in India’s Neighbourhood First policy and maritime security strategy.
  2. As a key partner in the Indian Ocean region, Maldives’ stability and cooperation are vital for regional peace and security.
  3. India’s proactive engagement with Maldives aims to foster “politics-proof” bilateral ties and address common challenges.
  4. Economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and capacity-building initiatives contribute to mutual prosperity and sustainable development.
  5. Maldives’ strategic location and natural resources make it an important partner for India in promoting regional connectivity and maritime trade.

Challenges:

  1. Anti-India Sentiment: Addressing the prevailing anti-India sentiment in Maldives politics poses a significant challenge to bilateral relations and regional stability.
  2. Strained Diplomatic Relations: Navigating strained diplomatic relations due to policy divergences and strategic shifts in Maldives’ foreign policy towards India and China requires careful diplomacy.
  3. Internal Political Dynamics: Managing internal political dynamics, including dissent within the ruling coalition and potential opposition to India-friendly policies, presents hurdles to constructive engagement.
  4. Security Concerns: Balancing security concerns, especially regarding maritime security and regional stability, amidst geopolitical competition in the Indian Ocean region, remains a complex challenge.
  5. Economic Dependency: Addressing economic dependency on external actors, particularly China, while ensuring sustainable development and economic resilience, is a pressing challenge for Maldives.
  6. Public Perception: Overcoming negative public perception or misperceptions about India’s intentions and policies requires proactive communication and outreach efforts.

Way Forward:

  1. Dialogue and Engagement: Prioritize sustained dialogue and engagement with Maldives at various levels to build trust, address concerns, and foster constructive cooperation.
  2. Diplomatic Outreach: Strengthen diplomatic outreach and engagement initiatives to enhance understanding, promote people-to-people exchanges, and bridge communication gaps.
  3. Development Assistance: Continue to provide development assistance and capacity-building support to Maldives in key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and technology.
  4. Security Cooperation: Enhance security cooperation through joint exercises, information-sharing mechanisms, and capacity-building initiatives to address common security challenges effectively.
  5. Economic Partnerships: Deepen economic partnerships through investment promotion, trade facilitation, and joint infrastructure projects to promote sustainable economic development and reduce dependency on external actors.
  6. Cultural Diplomacy: Promote cultural diplomacy and soft power initiatives to strengthen cultural ties, foster mutual understanding, and promote people-centric cooperation.
  7. Regional Collaboration: Strengthen regional collaboration and multilateral initiatives, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), to address shared challenges and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.
  8. Conflict Resolution: Support efforts for conflict resolution and reconciliation within Maldives, including facilitating dialogue between different political factions and promoting inclusive governance.
  9. Capacity Building: Invest in capacity-building programs, institution-building efforts, and governance reforms to strengthen Maldives’ democratic institutions and governance frameworks.
  10. Long-Term Vision: Develop a long-term vision for bilateral relations based on mutual respect, shared interests, and common values to ensure stability, prosperity, and mutual benefit for both countries.

Conclusion:

In navigating the evolving political landscape of Maldives, India faces multifaceted challenges but also opportunities for constructive engagement. By prioritizing dialogue, economic cooperation, and regional collaboration, both nations can overcome existing hurdles and foster enduring bilateral ties beneficial for regional stability and prosperity.

Source:Indian Express

Mains Practice Question:

Critically analyze the implications of the changing political dynamics in Maldives for India’s foreign policy objectives and regional strategic interests. How can India effectively navigate these challenges and strengthen bilateral relations with Maldives in the context of evolving geopolitical realities in the Indian Ocean region?

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/unravelling-the-dynamics-india-maldives/