Newly elect President in Maldives could be a problem for India, as considered pro-China and came with an agenda to remove Indian military from the country

Newly President-elect Mohamed Muizzu in Maldives is sticking to his political agenda passed through the campaign before elections. After defeating President Ibrahim Solih in a second-round run-off, Muizzu took the presidency and cleared his stand on presence of foreign military in the country. In an event, he said to his supporters, ‘All the countries which agree to our pro-Maldives policy will be our close friends and allies. We will send back foreign soldiers in the Maldives.’ He also mentioned that, it’s the people who told them that they don’t want foreign military here. Muizzu represented Progressive Party of Maldives and won with total 54 per cent of votes, according to the preliminary results.
Solih, the former President was viewed as pro-India is satisfied with the results whereas current political party and specifically Mohamed Muizzu is considered pro-China. India is one of the large neighbors of Maldives along with being a traditional security and economic partner. As per the available information, Muizzu’s political party was backed with a coalition in the elections, who is known to be close to China. It was also seen carrying ‘India out’ campaign against a small unit of Indian military, few years ago. When India and other south Asian countries countering China for its expansion policy in Indo- Pacific region and teaming up with other western countries for the same reason, Maldives coming up as a China supporter, could become a tension for other South Asian countries.
While getting an insight about the possibilities Maldives-India relation can go through in upcoming years, military expert and political expert shared a different perspective with EAT news to this current development. Vipin Shekhawat said the presence of Indian troops in Maldives is because of certain reasons and not harming any peace or harmony of the country. He also called it a part of a deal. ‘It is not a hidden or a secret mission our military is carrying on a foreign land, instead it is known to the country’s government and in a proper systematic manner. Two helicopters were given to the country, and Indian military is there operate it and to assist any rescue operations of people stranded or faced any difficulties during the calamities at sea. The military has nothing to do with intervening or pushing any agenda, that the home country should have fear of’, he said.
Maldives-India relation is a going to be affected, after the arrival of new president, said Mr. Shekhawat until a diplomatic dialogue happens. He said, ‘India has always accepted and considered diplomatic approach while proceeding to other countries. So, it is expected that India will initiate a dialogue with current Maldives administration regarding the issue raised by the newly elect President in terms of military aspect.’ However political expert Mukesh Chaturvedi believes pro-China narrative that has come up with new political party will benefit China in terms of expanding its interest in country and an attempt to stretch its dominance.
He told EAT news, China has a strong influence in South Asia in various aspects. Nevertheless, India is coming out as a new power in the region with its multiple alliances and agreements across western countries and upgrading of position on international forums, fast economy, population, becoming new startup hub and a preferred choice to invest. ‘Both the countries have its influence on other South Asian countries in one or the other way. China was an established one, while India is coming forward with its strategic approach. Finding out divided supporters in different countries is expected.’ He further added that this will help China to stretch its agenda via trade, different policies, political interference.
India’s Neighborhood First policy has played a significant role in strengthening relations with Maldives. The policy focuses on maintaining peaceful relations and working together in a diverse range of fields such as technology, research, economics, connectivity, education and many others. Earlier, former President acknowledged and prioritized India’s first policy reassuring to be mindful of each other’s security concerns. He also according to an article, reasserted that India has always been a reliable ally to the Maldives, through thick and thin.
Relation between both the countries is not up to political standards, but even beyond that. There is a good number of people come from Maldives to study in India, Indian entertainment industry is quite popular there and according to the anthropologists, some Maldivians hail from southern India, mentioned in an article. Beside political relations, nations are connected through sentimental values too. Mr. Chaturvedi shared his opinion and said, ‘India has certain impact on its each and every neighboring country, due to prioritizing the neighborhood first policy and considering cooperation, alliances the only decent way to resolve any problem that countries are facing in present. Affirmatively, Indian administration will reach out to Maldivian administration for further issues if countries will have.’