Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is expected to visit India “very soon” on an official trip, according to a statement made by his spokesperson on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
This announcement comes at a time when two key ministers from his government tendered their resignations after months of suspension due to derogatory remarks they made against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
These events have stirred discussions about the future of Maldives-India relations, with President Muizzu seemingly attempting to navigate his administration out of a diplomatic crisis.
Ministerial Controversy and Resignations
The roots of the current diplomatic tensions between the Maldives and India can be traced back to January 2024 when three Maldivian ministers made anti-India remarks.
The controversy flared up when a political commentator, Raushan Sinha, shared a video of PM Modi promoting tourism in Lakshadweep, calling it a “setback” for the new Maldivian government, which had been seen as leaning towards China.
The comments angered Mariyam Shiuna, Maldives’ Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, who referred to PM Modi as a “clown” and a “puppet of Israel” on social media. Although she later deleted the post, she repeated similar sentiments months later, even going so far as to insult the Indian flag, an action that led to significant diplomatic fallout.
President Muizzu took prompt action, suspending three ministers—Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid—who had been involved in the controversy.
While there was no immediate word on Majid’s fate, both Shiuna and Shareef resigned recently after a prolonged suspension. The Maldivian government officially stated that the ministers resigned for “personal reasons,” though the timing—coinciding with President Muizzu’s upcoming visit to India—has raised speculation.
Muizzu’s Visit to India: A Step Toward Reconciliation?
Muizzu’s spokesperson, Heena Waleed, confirmed during a press conference that the President is scheduled to visit India “very soon.” This trip follows Muizzu’s previous visit to New Delhi in June 2024, when he attended Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony.
Muizzu, who has often been labeled as pro-China, had expressed his satisfaction with that trip, describing it as a “success” for the Maldives and its diplomatic relations with India. The delegation that accompanied him included high-level officials from neighboring nations and the Indian Ocean region, a sign of his government’s efforts to maintain regional partnerships despite previous tensions.
During the press briefing, Waleed emphasized that diplomatic discussions between India and the Maldives are ongoing, and the timing of the visit will be arranged to maximize convenience for both leaders. Muizzu’s return to India so soon after his June visit reflects his administration’s efforts to repair ties, especially after the backlash from the ministers’ inflammatory remarks.
The resignation of the ministers who made anti-India comments may also be seen as a conciliatory gesture, aimed at smoothing over diplomatic relations ahead of this significant visit.
Muizzu’s attempt to distance himself from the previous anti-India rhetoric is seen as part of a broader strategy to revive bilateral cooperation between the two countries, especially as the Maldives faces an ongoing economic crisis.
Economic Considerations and Rebuilding Ties
President Muizzu’s administration has been under growing pressure to rebuild diplomatic ties with India after a series of political missteps led to a decline in Indian tourism to the Maldives, one of the atoll nation’s primary economic drivers.
The derogatory remarks made by the ministers and the broader anti-India sentiment had adversely affected Maldives’ image among Indian tourists, leading to a reduction in arrivals, which in turn impacted the tourism-dependent economy.
The tension between India and the Maldives was further complicated by Muizzu’s earlier political stance. Before his election, Muizzu led the ‘India-out’ campaign, criticizing the presence of Indian troops on Maldivian soil and expressing concern about India’s influence in the region. However, the ongoing economic crisis and the necessity of securing India’s support have since led Muizzu to take a more conciliatory approach.
Last month, India’s foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, visited the Maldives, marking his first official trip to the archipelago since Indian troops were expelled from the country in May.
This visit, coming ahead of Muizzu’s planned trip to India, reflects a broader strategy to restore diplomatic ties. Muizzu has repeatedly sought India’s assistance in rescuing the Maldives from a growing debt crisis, much of which stems from Chinese loans.
As the economic situation worsened, Muizzu began to dial down his anti-India rhetoric, making several public appeals for India’s support.
The resignations of the ministers who made derogatory remarks are likely intended to send a clear signal that the Maldives is serious about mending fences with its larger neighbor.
President Mohamed Muizzu’s upcoming visit to India holds significant diplomatic weight, especially in light of the recent ministerial resignations following anti-India remarks.
As the Maldives struggles with economic challenges, particularly in its tourism sector, Muizzu is keen to rebuild relations with India, recognizing the country’s critical role in the Maldives’ economic recovery. His visit to New Delhi will likely serve as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties, while the recent resignations can be seen as part of his administration’s broader efforts to turn the page on past diplomatic tensions.
Whether these steps will be sufficient to restore full trust between the two nations remains to be seen, but Muizzu’s attempts to distance himself from anti-India rhetoric mark a clear shift in his diplomatic strategy, one that may prove pivotal for the future of Maldives-India relations.
