The tweet by a Maldives minister following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Lakshadweep archipelago has sparked controversy on social media.
PM Modi's visit to the Union Territory, aimed at promoting tourism on the islands, led to the minister accusing India of targeting the Maldives. The minister claimed that India faces significant challenges in competing with the Maldives in beach tourism.
Tensions between India and the Maldives have escalated in recent months, particularly since President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November 2023. President Muizzu expressed intentions to reduce the presence of Indian military personnel in the Maldives and shift the country's foreign policy away from an "India first" approach.
President Muizzu, considered pro-China, is scheduled to visit China soon, following an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping. The relationship between China and the Maldives has been characterized as having a "time-honoured friendship," with mutual respect and support over the past 52 years. This marks a departure from the approach of Muizzu's predecessors, who traditionally visited India before China.
The strained ties between India and the Maldives also involve disagreements over the presence of Indian military personnel, a review of bilateral agreements, and the new Maldives Vice President's recent visit to China.
The geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region, the Maldives' proximity to India, and its strategic importance in maritime affairs add complexity to the evolving relationships between India, the Maldives, and China.
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