The diplomatic relationship between India and the Maldives has been turbulent lately, coming to a standstill when three deputy ministers from the Maldives made disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Lakshadweep. An unanticipated diplomatic conflict between the two countries resulted from the visit, which was intended to promote the beautiful union territory as a growing tourism destination.

Backdrop of Strained Relations:
The diplomatic friction between India and the Maldives gained momentum with the rise to power of Mohamed Muizzu, the leader of the People’s National Congress, in November 2023. This shift marked a departure from the previously cordial relations between the two nations.
Following the ‘India Out’ campaign spearheaded by the imprisoned former president Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Muizzu emerged victorious, supported by the Progressive Congress, a coalition of his own People’s National Congress (PNC) and the People’s Party of the Maldives (PPM). The narrative against India was established by this campaign, which gained momentum in 2021 after New Delhi and the government led by Ibrahim Mohamed Solih reached an agreement to establish a military base in the Maldives.
In December 2023, following the downfall of the Solih government, the Muizzu-led administration asked for the Indian forces to leave the Maldives. In addition, the Maldives contested the 2019 agreement of understanding signed by the Solih government, urging India to cease hydrographic surveys in its territorial seas.
A key component of Muizzu’s election campaign was the evacuation of Indian troops, indicating a break from the ‘India First’ policy by the newly elected Maldivian administration.
Escalation of Tensions:
Disparaging remarks made by Maldivian government officials, such as Mariyam Shiuna, in reaction to Prime Minister Modi’s posts promoting Lakshadweep as a tourist destination, are the root cause of the recent flare-up in hostilities. In addition to attacking PM Modi personally, Shiuna suggested that Israel had sway over him. The diplomatic dispute intensified even after the Maldives government distanced itself from these remarks and suspended the implicated deputy ministers.

Both India and the Maldives took reciprocal measures, summoning each other’s envoys in a tit-for-tat response. The Indian High Commission in Malé expressed strong concerns to the Maldives government over the comments made by its ministers. Simultaneously, the Maldives envoy to India was summoned to address the matter, underscoring the severity of the diplomatic fallout.
China’s Role and the Geopolitical Landscape:
The new Maldivian government’s pro-China posture is consistent with the declining India-Maldives relations. The extended visit by President Muizzu to China amidst the diplomatic dispute underscores the evolving geopolitical environment. The goal of the visit is to improve professional growth, trade, and socioeconomic cooperation between the two countries.
Israel has quietly gotten involved in this complicated geopolitical situation by promoting Lakshadweep as a travel destination, despite the ongoing controversy surrounding claims that Israel controls Prime Minister Modi. Israel’s Embassy in India strongly marketed Lakshadweep, highlighting its magical beauty.

Way Forward:
Given the ongoing diplomatic unrest, it is critical to acknowledge the Maldives’ strategic significance in India’s marine region. Situated in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and strategically adjacent to India, the Maldives have a special place in India’s programs, including SAGAR, which stands (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Neighbourhood First Policy.
The difficulty of managing diplomatic relations in a geopolitical environment that is changing quickly are highlighted by the recent occurrences. The tale of relations between India and the Maldives serves as a reminder of the careful balancing act needed to keep alliances together, particularly in areas with elevated geopolitical complexity. The changing dynamics will unavoidably influence how their relationship develops going forward as both countries deal with the implications from this diplomatic situation.