To understand this issue better one must understand the domestic politics of Maldives; Maldives experienced a period of dictatorship under Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom from 1978 to 2008, during which the nation's constitution was framed in 2008. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) emerged victorious in the first election of 2008, with Mr. Mohamed Nasheed assuming the presidency. Nasheed demonstrated efficiency in raising awareness on issues like climate change and pledged to make Maldives carbon-free, adopting a foreign policy of "India First." However, political crises in 2012 led to the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) assuming power in the 2013 elections, with Mr. Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom becoming president. The new government shifted to an anti-India foreign policy, favouring China over India. In 2016, Maldives requested India to reclaim helicopters provided earlier, and the PPM engaged in infrastructure projects with China, eventually joining the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A BBC News report on September 17, 2020, highlighted Maldives borrowing 1.5 billion USD from China.
In the 2018 elections, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) returned to power, with Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih becoming president. The MDP renewed contracts for Indian helicopters, and the foreign policy tilted back towards "India First." India provided significant support, including Covid vaccines, the Greater Male Connectivity Project worth $500 million, and infrastructure projects under a US $800 million EXIM bank line of credit, according to India Today on January 20, 2021, and August 26, 2021, respectively. Despite this assistance, certain politicians and media channels in Maldives spread hate messages about India, fuelling "India Out" sentiments. The Indian government expressed concern over repeated attacks in the media, as reported by The Hindu on July 2, 2021, and Maldivian authorities acknowledged the issue, according to The Indian Express on July 20, 2021.
Amidst this, a media house clarified that "India Out" was not a call for Indians to leave Maldives but a movement against the Indian Army's presence, creating tension. The MDP, by keeping agreements confidential, inadvertently fuelled skepticism about India-Maldives ties, contributing to the "India Out" sentiment. In the 2023 elections, a coalition government led by PPM and PNC saw Mr. Mohamed Muizzu becoming president. Within days of his victory, President-elect Muizzu requested India to withdraw military personnel, as reported by Reuters on October 4, 2023, and later, on November 18, 2023, Maldives officially "requested" India to withdraw its military presence.
Coming back to the current situation; The controversy between Maldives and Lakshadweep unfolded a day before Muizzu's scheduled trip to China. On January 10, 2024, China extended an invitation to its citizens to visit Maldives for vacations. As reported by The Economic Times on January 15, 2024, the leader of Maldives remarked that the country's modest size should not be construed as a license to engage in bullying, in an apparent reference to India.
Under the influence of China, Maldives has stipulated a deadline for India to withdraw its troops. As reported by Mint on January 14, 2024, Maldives has set a deadline of March 15, 2024, for India to complete the troop withdrawal. China views Maldives as strategically significant due to its location in the Indian Ocean, positioned along the passage route for ships from Gulf countries to China. This geographical positioning makes Maldives susceptible to potential control by India. The strategic significance of Maldives in global affairs and trade on the international stage arises from its proximity to Channel 8 and 9 in the Indian Ocean.. Furthermore, Maldives holds importance for China as it can be integrated into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China's engagement is exemplified by the construction of the Sinamale Friendship Bridge in 2018, linking Hulhumale island to Male, the capital of Maldives.
Maldives is taking up this action after carefully picking up the alternatives for India; Maldivian students who previously pursued education in India are now opting for China. The medical and healthcare services, once sought from India, will now be accessed from Thailand and the UAE. Additionally, the import of essential commodities such as rice, sugar, and wheat flour, formerly sourced from India, will now be sourced from Turkey.
But is going to Lakshadweep really that easy? Well, no; Out of the 36 coral islands in Lakshadweep, only 10 are open for tourism. The sole access point to reach Lakshadweep is through Kochi, where travellers can either take a flight or board a ship. Prior to planning the journey, individuals must obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) issued by the Commissioner of Police.
To secure the PCC, one must download the form from the official Lakshadweep website, complete all required details, and submit it to the nearest police commission office. The processing time for this clearance ranges from a week to a month, and it remains valid for six months. After obtaining the clearance, travellers can proceed to book their tickets and travel to Kochi.
Upon reaching Kochi, individuals must obtain a permit from the Lakshadweep Administration office. While visitors are allowed to explore up to 10 islands, they must specify the particular islands they intend to visit. The permit can be acquired promptly at the office itself, with the requirement of presenting a valid ID proof for necessary verification and completion of the requisite processes.
So, to summarize; After comprehending the extensive background of the Maldives, it becomes evident that the current turmoil or debate is not a result of a conflict between Lakshadweep and Maldives. Instead, it stems from internal political issues within Maldives, where certain Maldivian leaders seem to be deliberately provoking anti-India sentiments to leverage them as a political tool. This tactic mirrors the approach taken by some Pakistani leaders who exploit anti-India sentiments to garner votes. India has consistently demonstrated a cooperative spirit, extending a helping hand to nations facing crises or adversity. It is crucial to recognize that India has never engaged in bullying any nation. However, it is imperative for India to draw lessons from these incidents. One notable challenge is the tendency for the nation to have a short memory span, as observed in the recent call to "Boycott China and Chinese products." Despite this call, Chinese-made phones and electronics still command a significant share in the Indian market, as reported by The Economic Times Telecom on July 17, 2023, where Chinese mobile companies dominate 55% of the Indian smartphone market.
Addressing the situation, it is essential to prioritize the proper development of Lakshadweep. Additionally, if there is a change in government in the Maldives and a pro-India administration emerges, it is crucial for India to remember the derogatory comments made by some leaders, including the "India Out" sentiment and critiques of India's standards of living and its Prime Minister. When national sovereignty and integrity are at stake, the entire nation should unite as one
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