Opinion Election of China-friendly Mohamed Muizzu could test Indo-Maldives ties

Geographical proximity, convergent security interests and cultural affinities have meant that Male and Delhi have had a deep and close relationship. As China’s footprint and ambitions in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region have expanded, Maldives is among the littoral nations to have become a part of Beijing’s economic-strategic calculus. India too has invested heavily in the country during Solih’s tenure: Under the Neighbourhood First policy and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), security cooperation between the two countries has grown.

This is in addition to the Colombo Security Conclave, which includes Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives. Delhi has also provided financial assistance for the Greater Male Connectivity project, among other infrastructure collaborations.

There is little doubt that Muizzu, like Yameen, is close to Beijing. The president-elect ended up as the Opposition’s consensus candidate after the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party saw major defections, including former president Mohamed Nasheed. In fact, Muizzu is seen by many as a proxy for Yameen, who could not contest elections because of his conviction and imprisonment on corruption charges. Nasheed, after switching sides, has emerged as a king-maker of sorts and was perceived as not being anti-India. Issues of governance and the economy too played a part in these elections, as they invariably do. The election results notwithstanding, Delhi continues to have stakes in the country. The sign of a stable and mature bilateral relationship is its ability to transcend governments. Keeping that possibility open with the new government in Male is now the challenge for India’s foreign policy establishment. Perhaps the greatest silver lining for India and other well-wishers of the Maldives is the peaceful transition of power in a country which has often seen political turmoil.