India and Maldives are having a disagreement. Mohamed Muizzu said that just because we are smaller, it doesn’t mean they can bully us.

1 min read 2024-01-13, 09:50 PM IST

Summary of the content

1. President Mohamed Muizzu indirectly criticizes India during a press conference, emphasizing that the Maldives, despite being small, should not be subjected to bullying.
2. Diplomatic row triggered by derogatory remarks from Maldivian politicians about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, leading to the suspension of three ministers on January 7.
3. President Muizzu seeks stronger ties with China during his five-day visit, urging an increase in Chinese tourists to the Maldives.
4. Plea to China to intensify efforts to regain its position as the Maldives’ primary market, especially in the context of pre-Covid tourism.
5. China and the Maldives sign 20 agreements covering various areas, including tourism cooperation, the Belt and Road initiative, and a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership plan for 2024-2028.
6. Both nations express commitment to supporting each other in safeguarding core interests.
7. Joint statement emphasizes a 52-year history of mutual respect and support since the establishment of diplomatic ties.
8. China firmly opposes external interference in the internal affairs of the Maldives, supporting the nation’s sovereignty and independence.
9. Focus on tourism cooperation with specific agreements to increase Chinese tourists to the Maldives.
10. Acknowledgment of China’s role as the Maldives’ primary tourist market pre-Covid.
11. Action Plan for Building a China-Maldives Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership (2024-2028) signifies a long-term commitment to a deeper strategic alliance.
12. Collaboration on the Belt and Road initiative reflects a joint effort in infrastructure development and connectivity.
13. Suspension of three ministers in the Maldives on January 7 highlights the seriousness of the diplomatic discord.
14. Indicates a decisive stance by the Maldivian government against actions perceived as disrespectful or offensive.
15. Economic ties between China and the Maldives solidified through agreements in various sectors, suggesting a comprehensive and multifaceted partnership.
16. Tourism and the Belt and Road initiative emerge as pivotal components of the economic collaboration.
17. Strategic cooperation in the tourism sector aims to revive the Maldives’ tourism industry and strengthen economic ties with China.
18. President’s request for intensified efforts reflects the significance of tourism in the collaboration between the two nations.
19. Alignment with the Belt and Road initiative showcases the Maldives’ willingness to engage in a broader economic and strategic partnership with China.
20. Indicates a shared commitment to global infrastructure development and connectivity.

In the midst of simmering diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives, President Mohamed Muizzu subtly directed criticism towards India, asserting that the Maldives, though small, should not be subject to bullying. The remarks followed his five-day visit to China, during which he engaged in a press conference emphasizing the need for respectful interactions between nations. This diplomatic friction arose from derogatory comments made by Maldivian politicians concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, leading to the suspension of three ministers on January 7.

The president’s strategic shift towards China was evident in his plea to Beijing during his visit, urging an intensification of efforts to boost tourism from China to the Maldives. Citing China as the Maldives’ primary market pre-Covid, Muizzu emphasized the importance of regaining that position through collaborative initiatives. The visit resulted in the signing of 20 agreements between China and the Maldives, covering diverse areas such as tourism cooperation, the Belt and Road initiative, and a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership plan for the years 2024-2028.

ALSO READ| China Disapproves of Foreign Intervention in Maldives During President Muizzu’s Visit.

The joint statement issued by China and the Maldives highlighted a longstanding relationship of mutual respect and support spanning 52 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Notably, China firmly expressed its opposition to external interference in the internal affairs of the Maldives, affirming its support for the island nation’s sovereignty and independence. The two nations pledged continued support for each other in safeguarding their core interests, setting the stage for a deeper and more strategic alliance.

The diplomatic tensions with India were subtly underscored by President Muizzu’s comment during the press conference, wherein he cautioned against any attempts to leverage size for bullying smaller nations. The veiled criticism seemed to allude to the recent discord between India and the Maldives following derogatory remarks by Maldivian politicians concerning Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep.

ALSO READ| PM Modi Continues to Marvel at Lakshadweep’s Beauty and Hospitality.

The suspension of three ministers in the Maldives on January 7 added a layer of complexity to the diplomatic rift. These political consequences underscored the gravity of the situation and indicated that the Maldivian government was taking a decisive stance against any actions perceived as disrespectful or offensive.

Meanwhile, the growing alignment between China and the Maldives was apparent in the president’s request for intensified efforts to attract Chinese tourists. Acknowledging China’s significant role as the Maldives’ top tourist market before the onset of the global pandemic, the president sought to rekindle this partnership through collaborative initiatives and agreements.

The signed agreements encompassed various sectors, reflecting a comprehensive and multifaceted collaboration between China and the Maldives. Of particular note was the Action Plan for Building a China-Maldives Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership (2024-2028), indicating a long-term commitment to fostering a deeper strategic alliance.

Tourism emerged as a pivotal component of the collaboration, with specific agreements focusing on increasing the influx of Chinese tourists to the Maldives. The strategic cooperation in this sector aimed not only to revive the Maldives’ tourism industry but also to solidify the economic ties between the two nations.

The Belt and Road initiative featured prominently in the signed agreements, emphasizing the collaborative approach of China and the Maldives in infrastructure development and connectivity. By aligning with China’s ambitious global infrastructure project, the Maldives signaled a willingness to engage in a broader economic and strategic partnership.

In summary, President Mohamed Muizzu’s diplomatic maneuvers during his visit to China underscored a significant shift in alliances, subtly referencing tensions with India and expressing a desire for a deeper engagement with China. The signed agreements and joint statements reflect a comprehensive partnership that extends across economic, strategic, and diplomatic realms, signaling a new chapter in the evolving dynamics of the Maldives’ international relationships.