Last updated on January 16th, 2024 at 03:15 pm

Image Credit: Banglaxp.com

Maldives vs India: In a surprising turn of events, Prime Minister Modi’s seemingly innocent social media posts featuring Lakshadweep have triggered a diplomatic spat between India and Maldives. Despite the absence of any mention of Maldives in the photos, politicians from the Maldivian government reacted vehemently, leading to a potential strain in the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

Boycott Maldives

The controversy escalated quickly, with the hashtag #BoycottMaldives gaining traction on social media, fueled by inflammatory comments made by three Maldivian ministers – Maryam Shivna Malsa, Sharif, and Abdullah Mazum Majeed. Their remarks, suggesting an alleged agenda to expand Lakshadweep into Maldives, not only strained diplomatic ties but also sparked personal attacks and stereotyping against India.

Amidst the uproar, Indian tourists began canceling their Maldives bookings, prompting the Maldivian government to respond. The Foreign Ministry clarified that the ministers’ comments were personal opinions and did not represent the official stance of the government. Subsequently, the government suspended the three ministers in an attempt to contain the fallout.

Lakshadweep vs Maldives

However, the roots of this controversy run deeper than a social media feud. The intricate geopolitics of the region and the politics of hatred have played a significant role. Maldives, heavily reliant on tourism, saw over 2 lakh Indian tourists in 2023, underlining the economic interdependence between the nations. Beyond tourism, India and Maldives have been strategic allies, with a history of military cooperation and initiatives like Sagar (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

The strained relations can be traced back to the internal politics of Maldives. The country’s shift between India-friendly and China-leaning governments reflects a complex dynamic. The recent anti-India sentiment aligns with the rise to power of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) alliance in 2023.

This ideological shift, fueled by sentiments of India Out, echoes historical political transitions in Maldives. The MDP government, with its India-centric foreign policy, faced criticism for secretive agreements. The subsequent PPM-PNC government, championing India Out, demands transparency and questions the nature of military agreements with India.

Maldives vs India

Maldives, historically oscillating between India and China, recently signaled a move towards the latter, with President Mohammad Muju choosing China for his first foreign trip. The controversy coincides with Muju’s visit to China, highlighting the geopolitical dimensions at play.

In essence, the current turmoil is not merely a social media spat but a reflection of the ongoing power struggle within Maldives. The possibility of India’s stance evolving with changes in Maldives’ political landscape cannot be ignored. As the political storm rages on, the fate of India-Maldives relations hangs in the balance, shaped by the ever-shifting currents of regional geopolitics.

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