India-Maldives Diplomacy Shift

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s first bilateral visit to Delhi is seen as an attempt to mend ties with India.
• Tensions between India and Maldives were initially a result of Muizzu’s presidential campaign, which was built on the opposition’s “India Out” campaign.
• Controversies arose after Muizzu’s proposal to pitch tourism in Lakshadweep as an alternative to the Maldives, leading to a “Boycott Maldives” campaign in India.
• Muizzu’s decision to travel to Turkey, China, and the UAE before his arrival in India also ranked.
• Critics in New Delhi grew concerned over Muizzu’s economic initiatives and defence pact with China.
• India’s Neighbourhood First policy, further fuelled by perceived distancing from the Maldives, was under fire.
• After India acceded to Muizzu’s demand for Indian troops to be replaced by technical personnel, both sides turned course.
• India extended $100 million in SBI subscriptions of Maldivian T-bills, enabling Male to make its debt service payments.
• India’s extension of $400 million in support and Indian ₹3,000 crore in a currency swap arrangement have shored up Male’s record-low currency reserves.
• The joint announcement of infrastructure projects, Free Trade Agreement talks, and a vision statement on a comprehensive and maritime security partnership indicate a change.