Will continue to work for regional stability and security: Maldives President

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has said that his country's 'Maldives First' policy will not affect its longstanding relationship with India and the country will continue to work together with India to ensure regional stability and security.

Muizzu received a red carpet welcome on Oct 7 during his maiden state visit to India — a trip aimed at improving bilateral ties between the two South Asian neighbors even as New Delhi looks with skepticism at Malé's deepening ties with Beijing, be it in defense or trade and investment.

"We are confident that our engagements with other nations will not undermine India’s security interests," Muizzu was quoted as saying during an interview with leading Indian national daily.

Responding to a question on removing Indian troops from the island nation, Muizzu said, "What I did is what the people of Maldives asked from me. The recent changes reflect our efforts to address domestic priorities. Our review of past agreements is aimed at ensuring they align with our national interests and contribute positively to regional stability."

Muizzu said that Maldives and India now have a better understanding of each other’s priorities and concerns and that bilateral ties will only grow broader and deeper in the future. "The relations between the Maldives and India have always been strong, and I am confident this visit will further strengthen the ties," he added.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) echoed this sentiment, noting that Muizzu's visit would provide a significant boost to the "long-standing India-Maldives comprehensive bilateral partnership."

According to the MEA, Muizzu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will discuss “bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.” Muizzu is on his five-day visit to India with a pledge to remove the Indian troops stationed in his strategically located archipelago. Muizzu who assumed power a year ago will also meet with senior Indian officials.

Notably, tensions have escalated between India and the Maldives since the pro-China Muizzu won the presidency, defeating India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Ahead of the 2023 elections, Muizzu had promised to remove Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives for humanitarian assistance. In May this year, New Delhi replaced many of these soldiers with civilian experts.

The situation worsened when Muizzu visited China in January and on his return, he outlined plans to reduce the Maldives' dependence on India for healthcare, medicines, and essential imports.

However, a relationship that occurred after Muizzu attended Modi's swearing-in ceremony for a third term in June. Since then, he has moderated his anti-Indian stance, and official communication has also increased between the two nations.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Oct 7 expressed confidence that Muizzu's discussions with Modi would provide “a new impetus” to the "friendly ties" between the two countries.

India, China eyeing archipelago

Regional powers India and China are striving for influence in the strategically located archipelago nation of the Maldives, situated in the Indian Ocean. For decades, India has been a key provider of development assistance to the Maldives, supporting various infrastructure projects, medical care, and health facilities.

In contrast, the Maldives is a participant in China’s “Belt and Road” initiative, which aims to develop ports and highways while expanding China’s influence across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Muizzu's visit to New Delhi is particularly important for Modi, who is navigating a challenging diplomatic landscape. This includes the recent rise of Marxist politician Anura Kumara Dissanayake as Sri Lanka's president and the stay of India-friendly Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India in August after student-led protests forced her resignation. Also, Nepal is now led by pro-China Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

India important for Maldives

China and India are the two largest bilateral lenders to the Maldives, which recently stated that it has no intentions of seeking an International Monetary Fund bailout despite warnings of a potential sovereign default.

According to official data, Maldives' foreign debt reached $3.37 billion in the first quarter of this year, accounting for approximately 45 % of its gross domestic product.

Muizzu described a “line of credit arrangement” from India as a “positive step.”

Pertinently, he visited New Delhi for Prime Minister Modi's swearing-in ceremony, and Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visited Male in August.

Popular for its luxury tourism, pristine beaches, and secluded resorts, the Maldives has also emerged as a geopolitical hotspot. India is wary of China's expanding influence in the Indian Ocean, where vital east-west shipping lanes traverse the archipelago's chain of 1,192 coral islands, stretching about 800 kilometers (500 miles) across the equator.

Traditionally, India's government has viewed the Maldives, along with neighboring Sri Lanka, as part of its sphere of influence. Since taking office, Muizzu has moderated his anti-Indian rhetoric, assuring that he would not disturb the regional balance by substituting Indian forces with Chinese troops.

“This historic relationship is intertwined like the roots of a tree, built on centuries of exchanges and values shared,” Muizzu was quoted as saying recently regarding the ties between Male and New Delhi.