Jaishankar Embarks On 3-Day Maldives Visit Today Amid Strained Relations

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will commence a three-day official visit to the Maldives today, marking the first high-level trip from New Delhi since the relations between the two nations have soured. This visit is significant as it comes nearly nine months after Mohamed Muizzu, a pro-China president, took office in the Maldives. The deteriorating ties between India and the Maldives began soon after Muizzu’s assumption of the presidency, as he had campaigned on an “India-out” platform. His first official act after taking office was to demand the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, leading to a replacement of Indian troops with civilian personnel. The relationship further strained when three Maldivian deputy ministers made derogatory comments about India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. These remarks followed a January post by Modi showcasing the Lakshadweep Islands, which led to backlash and the suspension of the officials involved after criticism from opposition leaders.

Jaishankar’s visit follows Maldivian President Muizzu’s visit to India on June 9 for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Council of Ministers, marking Muizzu’s first official trip to India since assuming office in November of the previous year. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the visit is intended to strengthen the close partnership between the two nations and explore opportunities to enhance the bilateral relationship. The Maldives is a key maritime neighbor of India and plays a crucial role in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region). Jaishankar had previously visited the Maldives in January 2023, and the Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer had visited India in May, meeting with Jaishankar. The visit aims to reaffirm India’s commitment to the Maldives and address the challenges in their bilateral ties.