Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Maldives is not just a common diplomatic tour, but it is part of India’s strategic strategy in the Indian Ocean region, ‘Neberhood First’ policy and a major strategy to balance China. At the same time, just before the Prime Minister’s visit to Maldives, India has deep implications about the big decision taken about Lakshadweep. By the way, the way India brought Malidav sitting in the lap of China, the way India brought back close to its diplomacy is also a big success of our foreign policy. Let us remind you that when Maldives President Mohammad Mujju openly made anti -India rhetoric and targeted India directly in the name of removing ‘military power’, the relations between the two countries became very tense. But now the circumstances have changed and the attitude of the President Mujju. The question arises that why this happened? And what is the importance of this Prime Minister’s visit to India?
If seen, Maldives may be a small country in the area, but its condition is very important in marine geopolitics. It falls in the part of the sea routes from which more than 80% of the maritime trade of India passes. The stability and friendship of Maldives is as important for India as Sri Lanka or Mauritius.
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In the past years, efforts have been a matter of concern for India in Maldives to increase influence through Belt and Road Initiative and debt trap. Now Prime Minister Modi’s visit is giving a message to Maldives that India is more reliable and permanent as a neighbor for its long -term interests. Let us tell you that India is already providing security help to Maldives like Coast Guard vessel, military training, monitoring system. PM Modi’s visit will further strengthen this cooperation so that Maldives would not become any type of terrorist or stronghold of China -backed activities.
If seen, the Mujju government also suffered direct loss due to conflict with India. Indian tourists have been the largest foreign tourist class in Maldives. After the anti -India rhetoric, the tourism industry of Maldives suffered a lot of damage, which directly affected the economy. Along with tourism, trade, investment and assistance from India also started to be in danger. After this, Mujju realized that China would only give loans, but will not cooperate like India in real needs like security, human resources, disaster management. China’s ‘debt trap’ may push Maldives into economic crisis, it has been feared to Mujju.
Apart from this, many political parties and classes believe that the security and development of the country is being threatened by confronting India. In the recent by-elections and survey, dissatisfaction emerged from the sympathy and Mujju decisions towards India, hence they had to change the attitude. In addition, India, while taking control diplomatically, avoided the Mujju government directly and gave him time so that it would understand his own mistake. With this, Mujju also saw the opportunity to improve his mistake with ‘face saving’ and accepted PM Modi’s visit.
It is believed that through Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Maldives, India will strengthen its grip in the Indian Ocean, balanced China’s influence and limit the threat of BRI. At the same time, security cooperation, anti -terrorism campaign and maritime surveillance will be carried forward and will keep Maldives away from anti -India politics in future.
Let us also remind you that in January 2024, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep and presented big visions about tourism development there, the Maldives government and its leaders had inflammatory and derogatory statements against India. At that time, a section of the tourism sector of Maldives feared that India would harm their tourism by putting Lakshadweep as ‘Mini Maldives’. This was the reason that at that time there was a tussle in the relations between India and Maldives. But now that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to Maldives and there is talk of improvement in relations between the two countries, it is not just a coincidence by the Ministry of Defense to initiate the process of acquiring parts of Lakshadweep for military purposes. A very clear strategic strategy of India is working behind this.
Let us tell you that China’s naval activities in the Indian Ocean and the ‘String of Pearls’ policy remains a constant threat to India. China is increasing its presence in the ports of Maldives, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. In such a situation, India is creating a strategic balance by strengthening security and naval appearance in Lakshadweep. In addition, the current government of Maldives has repeatedly changed the attitude against India. In the future, if a ‘China -friendly’ government came again, India will have the option to strengthen strategic positions in its own sea field through Lakshadweep. If seen, the geographical location of Lakshadweep is very sensitive. From here, India can further strengthen the maritime monitoring of Malacca Strait and Indian Ocean. India is also strengthening its strategic positioning under Quad (Quad) cooperation with the US, Japan, Australia. The defense acquisition in Lakshadweep is not only aimed at building airbase or naval base, but to create military logistics support, maritime monitoring stations and defense infrastructure so that India has ease of military access to the western maritime border during any crisis in future.
The question arises that why the process of acquisition of Bitra Island of Lakshadweep has started before the Prime Minister’s visit to Maldives? In fact, it is believed that this message is being given that India will not only depend on ‘diplomatic relation’, but is also setting up ‘operational capability’ to protect its interests. The Maldives is also being given a clear indication that if he again goes to China’s lap or adopts an anti -India stance, India does not need it, as Lakshadweep will be ready to become its ‘mini Maldives’ alternative to India. If seen, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Maldives is no longer compulsion, but from the strong position of India. India is already securing its security options.
Both the military acquisition and Maldives trip to Lakshadweep simultaneously show that India is not only leaving its security only on ‘diplomacy’ or ‘Friendship’, but is preparing itself on both military and geographical fronts for the possible risk of every neighbor. If seen, India has also responded to the alliance of Maldives and China through Lakshadweep. Therefore, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Maldives is part of India’s strong diplomacy and practical thinking.
However, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Maldives is not only a symbol of friendship crossing, but also the role of India’s ‘Security Provider’ in the Indian Ocean. It should be expected that President Mujju has understood in time that both distance from India and close to China can destabilize their country. There is no doubt that the direct credit for this changed attitude of Maldives goes to India’s permanent and patient diplomacy. This journey will be remembered as another major success in India’s foreign policy.
-Niraj Kumar Dubey