In the aftermath of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the Lakshadweep archipelago, a tweet from a Maldives minister has ignited a social media controversy, exacerbating existing tensions between the two nations.
PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, the country's smallest Union Territory comprising 36 islands with a total area of 32 sqkm, was widely perceived as an effort to boost tourism on the islands. However, a tweet from a Maldives minister alleged that India was intentionally targeting the Maldives and asserted that India faces significant challenges in competing with the Maldives in beach tourism.
The tweet followed PM Modi's viral posts on X (formerly Twitter) about snorkelling in Lakshadweep, leading Indian social media users to suggest the island Union Territory as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.
The strained relationship between India and the Maldives has been evident in recent months, particularly after President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November 2023. President Muizzu, who had expressed intentions to shift the country's foreign policy away from an "India first" approach, is scheduled to visit China on Monday, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry.
Seen as a pro-China politician, President Muizzu defeated his India-friendly predecessor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the presidential runoff held in September. China has invited President Muizzu, emphasizing the longstanding friendship between the two countries and citing their mutual support over the past 52 years.
In contrast to the previous practice of Maldivian leaders visiting India before China, President Muizzu's decision to visit China first underscores a shift in diplomatic priorities. Despite meeting with PM Modi in Dubai in December 2023 and establishing a core group to enhance bilateral ties, President Muizzu has taken steps such as requesting the withdrawal of Indian military personnel and reviewing numerous bilateral agreements.
The Maldives' Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef's recent visit to China, where he participated in the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation, further highlights the evolving diplomatic landscape. During the visit, Vice President Latheef praised Chinese infrastructure projects but refrained from mentioning China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which played a significant role in the Maldives' infrastructure development.
The Maldives, a key maritime neighbour of India in the Indian Ocean Region, holds strategic importance due to its proximity to India and its central location in commercial sea lanes. As tensions persist, the situation adds complexity to India's initiatives such as SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the 'Neighborhood-First Policy' of the Modi government.
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