Summary
Two Maldivian ministers resigned after being suspended for derogatory remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their resignations come ahead of President Muizzu’s anticipated visit to India, amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions influenced by China’s growing presence in the Maldives. The situation illustrates the delicate dynamics between India and the Maldives, a nation heavily reliant on tourism.

On Tuesday, two ministers from the Maldives formally tendered their resignations, as confirmed by government officials. This decision comes several months after their suspension for allegedly making derogatory comments about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Maldives President, Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, had suspended these ministers in January due to their remarks, including one instance where a minister allegedly referred to PM Modi as a “clown.” The resignations were announced in the context of Muizzu’s upcoming visit to India. India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, had visited the Maldives last month, marking a significant diplomatic engagement since the expulsion of Indian troops from the nation in May. The ministers’ public criticisms of PM Modi on social media elicited backlash from Indian celebrities, leading to calls for a tourism boycott that could adversely impact the Maldivian economy, which heavily relies on tourism. The government did not provide updates on the status of a third minister also suspended in January. Earlier this year, tensions escalated between India and Maldives after several Maldivian leaders expressed resentment towards PM Modi’s promotion of Lakshadweep as a tourist destination, perceiving it as an attempt to divert Indian tourists from the Maldives. In response, PM Modi had shared images of himself engaging in snorkeling, highlighting the islands as an essential travel destination for adventure enthusiasts. The Maldives, renowned for its luxury tourism, has become a focal point of geopolitical interest, particularly with concerns over China’s growing influence in the region. India’s government regards the Maldives, with a population of approximately half a million, as an integral part of its sphere of influence. The nation, composed of 1,192 coral islands spanning about 800 kilometers across the equator, is strategically located along critical east-west shipping routes. Following the resignations, President Muizzu’s spokesperson announced his impending visit to India, emphasizing the importance of timing in diplomatic engagements. Muizzu had previously attended PM Modi’s inauguration in June but has yet to conduct an official solo visit to India. Since assuming office, President Muizzu has moderated his previous anti-India sentiments, asserting his intent not to disrupt the regional balance by replacing Indian military presence with Chinese forces.

The diplomatic relationship between India and the Maldives has been complex and, at times, contentious. The Maldives has historically been within India’s sphere of influence due to geographic proximity and economic ties, particularly in tourism. However, the rise of pro-China leadership in the Maldives has led to concerns in New Delhi regarding the potential shift of alliances. The backdrop of the resignations of these ministers includes heightened tensions following derogatory remarks made against PM Modi and the Maldivian government’s prior criticism of India’s tourism promotions. These developments come at a time when geopolitical interests are increasingly significant, especially given the strategic location of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.

In summary, the resignation of two Maldivian ministers following their derogatory comments about Prime Minister Modi reflects ongoing tensions in India-Maldives diplomatic relations. As President Muizzu prepares for a visit to India, these recent developments underscore the delicate balance the Maldives must maintain between its historical ties with India and its emerging connections with China. The situation illustrates the complexities associated with international diplomacy, particularly in a region marked by competing geopolitical influences.

Original Source: www.livemint.com

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