Victor in Male

Yet,Maldives has held a generally free and fair election — as Indian observers have acknowledged — and democracy has returned to the country. This is significant,given the Mohammed Waheed regime’s attempts to prevent Nasheed’s return to power after ousting him from office last year. The election held on September 7 was annulled and the re-run scheduled for October 19 could only be held on November 9. Then,the run-off the next day was cancelled. Nasheed himself has been gracious in defeat and pledged to strengthen democracy in the Maldives.

With a population of barely 3,30,000,but with a significant strategic location in the Indian Ocean,stability in the Maldives is integral to India’s maritime security. New Delhi might have preferred Nasheed’s return — and the reversal of the cancellation of GMR’s contract for the Male airport,among other things — but it cannot afford to pick favourites in a democratic exercise in another country. It has welcomed Yameen’s attempt to reach out to all stakeholders. It must engage with his regime now and stay engaged to pre-empt further crises. Delhi’s role in nudging Male towards free and fair elections has contributed to this moment,just as its diplomacy had helped broker a “deal” earlier to prevent Nasheed’s arrest. The turmoil,and Nasheed’s seeking of refuge in the Indian mission,had compelled it to get involved. With high stakes in the region,and also as the pre-eminent regional power,Delhi cannot be a bystander in the internal crises of its neighbours. Now that the turbulence has passed,it must prepare to work with the Yameen government.