Controversy Between India and Maldives: Understanding the Geopolitical Agenda

Introduction

In January 2024, Prime Minister Modi posted pictures from Lakshadweep on his social media handles, which sparked a controversial reaction from the Maldivian government. This controversy escalated to the point where the hashtag #BoycottMaldives started trending on social media. The root of this conflict stems from geopolitical agendas and political insecurity. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the relationship between India and Maldives, the impact of tourism, and the internal politics that have led to this controversy.

The Importance of Tourism in Maldives

Maldives, a small country consisting of over 1,000 islands, heavily relies on tourism. With only around 200 inhabited islands, more than 150 of them are resort islands owned by private companies. Tourism contributes to 28% of Maldives' GDP and 90% of the government's tax revenue. India is the leading country in terms of tourist visits to Maldives, with over 200,000 Indian tourists in 2023 alone. This close relationship between India and Maldives extends beyond tourism.

India and Maldives: Strategic Allies

India and Maldives have been strategic allies for years, with military cooperation and shared initiatives such as SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). India has played a significant role in supporting Maldives during natural calamities, conducting search and rescue operations, and preventing terrorism by patrolling the Maldivian exclusive economic zone. This military presence and cooperation have become controversial in Maldives' internal politics.

Maldives' Internal Politics: From Dictatorship to Democracy

Maldives transitioned from a 30-year dictatorship to a multi-party democracy in 2008. During this transition, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) came into power, and India-Maldives relations flourished. However, a political crisis in 2012 led to a change in government, resulting in opposition to India. The subsequent government leaned towards China, signing major infrastructure contracts and joining China's Belt and Road Initiative. These agreements and their confidentiality became a point of contention, fueling the India Out sentiment.

The Rise of India Out Sentiment

The India Out sentiment gained traction during the MDP government's tenure, with opposition politicians criticizing the lack of transparency in agreements with India. Leaked documents revealed long-term military presence and exclusive rights given to India in certain projects. This sentiment further intensified when the opposition party, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), came into power in 2023. Their President, Mohamed Muizzu, openly demanded the withdrawal of Indian forces from Maldives.

The Controversy Unveiled

The recent controversy between India and Maldives was not simply about Lakshadweep, as some may assume. It is deeply rooted in Maldives' internal politics and the ongoing power struggle between parties favoring India and those favoring China. The current government's alignment with China and the preference for a state-to-state relationship with India further fueled the India Out sentiment. It is crucial to recognize that such controversies are driven by political motives and can have significant consequences for a country's foreign relations.

Promoting Responsible Tourism

Regardless of the political landscape, it is essential to promote Indian tourism while also considering the preservation of local biodiversity and the well-being of the local population. Tourism should not come at the cost of the environment or the livelihoods of the locals. Responsible tourism practices can ensure the sustainable growth of the tourism industry while protecting the natural beauty and cultural heritage of destinations like Maldives.

Conclusion

The controversy between India and Maldives highlights the impact of geopolitical agendas and internal politics on international relations. While the current India Out sentiment may prevail, future political changes can shift the dynamics once again. However, promoting responsible tourism and fostering positive relationships between countries can contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous world.