In the wake of the maximalist position taken by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu after his election last year, both Male and New Delhi have taken steps to restore relations to an even keel. Muizzu, who came to power on the back of an ‘India Out’ campaign, demanded the withdrawal of Indian personnel deputed to the Maldives to operate three aircraft used mainly for humanitarian missions. However, since he attended the swearing-in of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June, several signs have pointed to a thaw in relations between the two countries. This is underlined by a visit to India in May by Maldivian foreign minister Moosa Zameer, and external affairs minister S Jaishankar’s visit last week to the Maldives.
These visits have helped to calm down the tension which had threatened to derail the relationship between India and the Maldives. With China working overtime to try to gain influence in the countries surrounding India, it is important to continue to have friendly relations with the Maldives. Also worryingly for India, Sheik Hasina was forced to resign as the prime minister and fled from Bangladesh after a mass protest against her. There is growing fear that the new government in the neighbouring country might turn hostile against India. Therefore, at a time when the situation is volatile in Bangladesh, the improvement in the relationship with the Maldives is a welcome relief for India.