In a remarkable shift from his previous anti-India rhetoric, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has recently realigned his stance towards Bharat, embracing a more cooperative and pragmatic approach. During his latest visit to New Delhi, Muizzu stated unequivocally, “Maldives will never do anything that compromises Indian sovereignty and security. We are friends now.” This statement not only signals a clear shift in Maldives’ foreign policy but also highlights the power of Indian diplomacy and the role its citizens played in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region.
Maldives President Muizzu expressed gratitude for Rs 30 billion support and USD 400 million currency swap agreement
One of the foundational pillars of the Indo-Maldivian relationship is medical tourism. For years, Maldivians have travelled to India for advanced healthcare, building a bridge of goodwill between the two nations. India’s affordable healthcare, state-of-the-art medical facilities, and geographical proximity make it an indispensable partner for Maldivians seeking treatment. Despite previous political tensions, the Maldivian people have continued to rely on India’s healthcare system, which underscores the indispensable nature of this relationship.
Muizzu’s recent declaration of friendship with India reinforces the idea that the Maldivian leadership recognises the importance of maintaining strong ties with Bharat, not only for economic and security reasons but also for the well-being of its citizens who depend on Indian medical services. Official records from the Maldivian Ministry of Health indicate that the Maldives National Health Insurance Scheme (Aasandha) covers treatment for Maldivian nationals travelling to India, further bolstering the trend of medical tourism to India.
According to available data, Maldivians are one of the largest groups to avail themselves of medical visas to India. For example, in 2017-18, it was reported that over 70 per cent of Maldivians travelling abroad for healthcare came to India.
Muizzu’s administration has walked back from the “India Out” campaign that was previously fueled by political factions allied with China. The Maldives had fallen into the orbit of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), accepting infrastructure investments that left the island nation increasingly reliant on Beijing. However, this debt dependency raised concerns over Maldives’ sovereignty. Muizzu’s declaration that his Government would never compromise Indian security points to a broader realisation— that closer alignment with Bharat offers a more balanced and sustainable partnership.
While China’s investment in Maldivian infrastructure was significant, India has long offered more sustainable assistance. By moving away from anti-India rhetoric, Muizzu is signaling his recognition that playing into Chinese influence could jeopardise Maldives’ long-term interests, especially when Bharat remains the more reliable and immediate partner for economic growth and security.
One of the flashpoints in the earlier tension between Bharat and the Maldives was the return of Indian aircraft Dornier and helicopters donated by India for medical and rescue missions. The return of these helicopters and Dornier, under the previous administration, was seen as a rejection of India’s presence and goodwill, symbolising the larger “India Out” sentiment that prevailed in certain factions of the Maldivian political class.
However, Muizzu’s recent statement of unwavering support for Indian sovereignty and security marks a stark contrast to that period. By resetting relations with India, he acknowledges that incidents like the helicopter controversy were counterproductive. This recalibration signals a shift towards a more stable and mutually beneficial relationship.
A pivotal factor in this diplomatic shift has been the subtle but powerful role played by Indian citizens. Following the “India Out” campaign, there was a significant drop in Indian tourism to the Maldives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promotion of Lakshadweep as an alternative tourist destination led to a #BoycottMaldives movement. The impact was palpable—an estimated 50,000 fewer Indian tourists visited the Maldives, resulting in a loss of around $150 million for its already fragile economy. This grassroots action, while not officially orchestrated by the Government, highlighted the influence of Indian citizens in shaping foreign policy dynamics. Diplomacy is not just a domain of Governments but also the people. By standing in solidarity with their Government’s stance on the Maldives, ordinary Indians exerted economic pressure that played a significant role in reshaping Maldives’ foreign policy.
Muizzu’s recent turnaround can, therefore, be seen as a victory not only for Indian diplomacy but also for its citizens, whose collective action demonstrated the tangible impact of economic choices in geopolitics.
While China’s investments in Maldivian infrastructure received much attention, Bharat has been steadily providing developmental assistance without the burden of unsustainable debt. Bharat’s pragmatic approach to infrastructure development offers long-term stability without compromising the sovereignty of its smaller neighbours. By reaffirming his commitment to Indian security, Muizzu is signalling his recognition of the importance of this model of partnership.
Bharat’s assistance in building roads, hospitals, and ports, as well as offering grants and loans, strengthens the long-term bond between the two nations. More importantly, Bharat’s approach allows the Maldives to maintain its sovereignty while receiving the infrastructural support it needs to grow.
Muizzu’s shift from the “India Out” rhetoric to a more conciliatory stance is not just a win for Indian diplomacy but also a clear signal of India’s growing influence in the region. This is the result of both Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s robust foreign policy approach and the grassroots support of Indian citizens who chose national interest over personal convenience.
This moment marks a turning point in the relationship between the two nations. By reaffirming their friendship, the Maldives has placed its long-term future in the hands of a reliable neighbour, moving away from the orbit of external powers like China, which often demand compromises in sovereignty. As Muizzu himself stated, “Maldives will never do anything that compromises Indian sovereignty and security. We are friends now.” This powerful statement reflects the new reality—India and Maldives are partners, bound by geography, history, and shared interests.
The recent visit of Maldivian President Muizzu to New Delhi underscores the importance of Indo-Maldivian ties in the broader context of regional stability. By walking back from the anti-India rhetoric, Muizzu has shown a willingness to adopt a more pragmatic and sustainable foreign policy, which recognises the importance of Indian sovereignty and the mutual benefits of a strong relationship.
As the two countries look ahead, this era of cooperation is likely to bring greater economic, security, and cultural ties. This turnaround is not just a victory for diplomacy at the government level but also a testament to the collective will of the Indian people, who demonstrated that diplomacy can be driven by the actions of its citizens as much as by its leaders.
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