New Delhi: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar is set to embark on a significant three-day visit to the Maldives from August 9 to 11. This trip marks the first high-level engagement between India and the Maldives since the election of Mohamed Muizzu as President. The relationship between the two countries has experienced tension since Muizzu, who has adopted a pro-China stance, assumed office nearly nine months ago.
Jaishankar’s visit is strategically timed following President Muizzu’s recent visit to India. During that trip, Muizzu attended the swearing-in ceremony of India’s new cabinet and council of ministers. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the importance of the Maldives in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and its ‘SAGAR’ vision—Security and Growth for All in the Region.
The Maldives is considered a key maritime neighbour and partner, making this visit a crucial step in revitalising bilateral relations. Jaishankar is expected to engage in comprehensive discussions with his Maldivian counterpart, Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, focusing on development cooperation and other strategic matters. Additionally, Jaishankar will hold talks with President Muizzu, aiming to address and potentially mitigate the current diplomatic strains.
The diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives have been under stress since Muizzu’s administration began. During his presidential campaign, Muizzu emphasised an ‘India-out’ policy, vowing to remove Indian military personnel from the Maldives. This stance has raised concerns in New Delhi about the future of the bilateral relationship.
In May 2024, Moosa Zameer’s visit to India highlighted efforts to maintain dialogue despite the tense atmosphere. The Maldives’ pro-China stance and Muizzu’s critical rhetoric towards India have exacerbated the situation. This visit by Jaishankar aims to reaffirm India’s commitment to maintaining strong ties and addressing any bilateral issues.
The diplomatic rift deepened earlier in the year following derogatory remarks made by some Maldivian politicians about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep. Maldives Minister Abdulla Mahzoom Majid publicly criticised India’s focus on promoting Lakshadweep as a tourist destination, alleging that it detracted from the Maldives. The backlash to these comments was significant, leading to the suspension of three Maldivian ministers from their posts on January 7, 2024.
Jaishankar’s visit is seen as a pivotal moment to navigate the current diplomatic challenges and explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation. The discussions during this visit will likely cover a range of issues including trade, security, and regional cooperation, aimed at reinforcing the strategic partnership between India and the Maldives.
The outcome of this visit could set the tone for future relations between the two nations, potentially addressing current disagreements and building a framework for long-term cooperation.