In this day and age of social media, diplomacy faces new challenges. The cacophony of social media can sometimes drown out the really important issues that require engagement, but it can also bring to the fore underlying trends that would otherwise take time to form. The India-Maldives spat is one such case where smoldering tensions boiled over due to unnecessary comments by Male that highlighted how the once-close neighbors seemed to be drifting apart. The rhetorical frenzy of some members of the Maldives’ new government has exposed the real differences between New Delhi, Male, and the Maldives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep last week appears to have triggered a social media and diplomatic storm that continues to reverberate on multiple fronts. From social media influencers to local politicians, from Bollywood celebrities to the strategic community, everyone seems to have a view. The Indian Prime Minister visited Lakshadweep to inaugurate the Kochi-Lakshadweep submarine fiber optic link and other projects, while also spending time on snorkeling and leisure activities, which took social media by storm.
While some in India suggested it was a good idea to promote tourism in Lakshadweep, some in the Maldives saw Mr Modi’s visit as an attempt to project Lakshadweep as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives. In the process, he also made derogatory remarks about Indians and the prime minister, which caused a strong backlash within India. Some of these comments came from the Deputy Minister of Maldives Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, and in response, the hashtag #BoycottMaldives started trending with X, and many Indians expressed their displeasure. However, some people canceled their plans to visit the Maldives. .
Governments quickly took action, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoning Maldives Ambassador Ibrahim Shahib. Following this, the Maldives government summoned the Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar.
President Mohamed Muiz’s government understood the gravity of the situation and responded by suspending three deputy ministers for offensive posts on social media. In a statement, the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the “existence of derogatory comments directed at foreign leaders and dignitaries on social media platforms,” adding: “These comments are personal views and do not reflect the official position of the Maldives. It does not match,” he said. ”
Relations between the Maldives and India have been volatile since President Mohamed Muiz came to power from the heights of Ibrahim Solih’s government. He has campaigned on an anti-India platform, with his ‘India Out’ campaign last year garnering a lot of attention. Muiz had accused India and the previous Maldives government of violating the country’s sovereignty and had asked India to withdraw its troops from the country shortly after he was sworn into office. Turkey is Muiz’s first bilateral stop, with him visiting China this week, breaking a long stay there. His predecessors had a tradition of visiting India first after taking office. The man was absent from the Colombo Security Conference in December. And most recently, the Muiz government decided not to renew an agreement with New Delhi that allows India to conduct hydrographic surveys in Maldivian waters.
The recent crisis has further strengthened this rift between the two traditionally close neighbors. All countries in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region need to strike a balance between her two regional giants: India and China. This requires a delicate diplomatic balance. In the case of the Maldives under the Muizu government, that balance has been disrupted, and it is this imbalance that has created a dangerous situation that could have long-term implications not only for the relationship between the two governments, but also for the relationship between the peoples of the two countries. ing.
Despite domestic posturing, there has been a perception in the past in the Maldives that India remains a valuable security partner in the region, supplementing Male’s meager maritime surveillance capabilities and capabilities. It is no coincidence that even Abdullah Yameen, who moved closer to China under President Maleh, continued defense cooperation with India even during the most difficult phase of bilateral relations. India is the Maldives’ largest trading partner, largest export destination and traditional donor. Tourism is the mainstay of the Maldives’ economy, with India making up the largest number of visitors to the island nation. It doesn’t take a great foresight to conclude that Male should avoid provoking New Delhi. Given the important geography of the Indian Ocean, if the Maldives is a key partner for New Delhi, India remains a key economic and security anchor in the region for Male as well. Therefore, it is essential to have clearly defined red lines and respect mutual sensitivities.
Harsh V. Pant is Professor of International Relations at King’s College London. His latest book is India’s Afghanistan Chaos (HarperCollins)
Disclaimer: These are the author’s personal opinions.
