Towards resetting ties with Maldives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the Maldives signals a significant reset in ties with the island nation. Mr. Modi will be the state guest at the archipelago’s Inde pendence Day on July 26 on the invitation of President Mohammad Moizzu. The visit marks a key initiative in rebuilding ties which had soured following Moizzu’s hawkish stance taken during his canvass ing for the presidential election three years ago.

Immediately after his assumption of office, he had ordered return of 80 Indian Navy personnel who were stationed there and assisting them. Not much later, Muizzu realised the folly of an tagonising a very helpful neighbour. He resiled from his hostile stance thereafter. Since then he has made three rounds of Delhi, once as a guest during the inaugural of Mr. Modi’s third term and another on a bilateral visit.

Mr. Modi’s visit is a good augury for the Maldives as it cannot expect a more benign neighbour and a benevolent contributor to its growth. Beyond this, India-Maldives share the same culture being part of the South Asian fraternity. Moreover, it was India that militarily helped the Maldives to thwart a coup in 1988 during Mr. Mamoom Abdul Gayoom’s tenure.

The attempt had been made by a business man in cahoots with LTTE plotters. India had been like a friend, philosopher and guide for the Maldives. While China has been intent upon taking the island under its BRI initiative, its assistance has come tied with terms that will only cause distance from India. Reeling under debts, the Maldives could expect assistance at a very rea sonable rate and trade ties on favourable terms.