External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar embarked on a significant three-day official visit to the Maldives on Friday, marking the first high-level engagement between the two nations since the pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office last year.
The visit comes amid efforts to recalibrate bilateral ties that had been strained following a series of diplomatic spats earlier this year.
The tension in India-Maldives relations escalated after derogatory remarks were made by three Maldivian ministers and some parliamentarians about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The situation worsened when President Muizzu, known for his strong pro-China stance, reiterated his demand for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives.
The Indian military had been present to operate and maintain two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft gifted by New Delhi to Male. In a move seen as a fulfillment of his campaign promise, Muizzu replaced the Indian military personnel with civilians.
Muizzu's ascension to power followed his defeat of India-friendly President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the September presidential runoff. During his campaign, Muizzu led a fervent ‘India Out’ movement, which resonated with sections of the Maldivian populace wary of Indian influence.
His first official overseas trip as President was to China, where he signed several defence agreements, further cementing his ties with Beijing.
The diplomatic rift also had economic repercussions. Calls for a boycott by Indian tourists, who form the largest group visiting the Maldives, followed the controversial social media posts by Maldivian ministers.
The tourism sector, a critical component of the Maldivian economy, was hit, exacerbating concerns within the government.
Despite these challenges, recent months have shown signs of a thaw in relations. The turning point came in May when Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer visited New Delhi, leading to India extending a $50 million loan to the Maldives.
This financial aid was seen as a gesture of goodwill, aimed at stabilizing the relationship.
India also lifted export restrictions on essential goods such as potatoes, onions, eggs, rice, wheat flour, sugar, dal, stone aggregates, and river sand, which are vital to the Maldives' construction sector.
Jaishankar's visit is viewed as a crucial step in resetting the relationship. Speaking at a joint press conference with his Maldivian counterpart, Moosa Zameer, Jaishankar emphasised the deep-rooted partnership between the two nations.
"India's partnership with the Maldives is based on our deep desire to work together for each other's welfare and interests. It is a partnership that has enabled us to always swiftly and effectively respond to challenges as witnessed in the past," he said.
Jaishankar highlighted the strategic importance of the Maldives in India's ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and its broader Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
"For India, the neighbourhood is a priority, and within the neighbourhood, the Maldives is a priority," he reiterated, echoing the sentiments of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During his visit, Jaishankar and Zameer inaugurated six high-impact projects across various sectors, including street lighting, mental health, children's speech therapy, and special education.
They also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Payments Corporation of India and the Maldivian Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, aimed at introducing a digital payment system in the Maldives.
The three-day visit also includes a virtual inauguration and handing over of water and sewerage projects across 28 islands, as well as a physical tour of the Addu reclamation project and the Addu detour link bridge.
These initiatives are expected to further strengthen the economic base of the Maldives, making its economy more resilient.
Jaishankar's visit culminates with a scheduled meeting with President Muizzu on Saturday, where further discussions on the bilateral relationship are expected.
The visit represents an opportunity to take stock of the achievements of both countries and to chart a blueprint for future cooperation.
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