India Increases Aid to Maldives in Budget 2025 Amid Improving Diplomatic Relations
Budget 2025 has seen India increase its aid to the Maldives to ₹600 crore, indicating a potential thaw in relations after a period of tension following political changes in the Maldives. India has also upped aid to Afghanistan and continues to prioritize Bhutan with significant allocations. Leaders from both India and the Maldives have voiced intentions to strengthen their cooperative ties, reflecting an evolving regional dynamic.
In the recently unveiled Budget 2025, India has notably increased its financial aid to the Maldives by ₹120 crore, bringing the total allocation to ₹600 crore. This increment marks a 27 percent increase from the previous year’s revised allocation of ₹470 crore, which itself had significantly declined from ₹770 crore in 2023. This renewed financial support raises questions about the potential improvement in diplomatic relations between the two nations after a period of tension.
The deterioration of India-Maldives relations can be traced back to early January 2024, following concerns raised by Maldivian Members of Parliament regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep. This visit was interpreted as an attempt to diminish the Maldives’ prominence as a tourist destination. The situation further deteriorated after Mohamed Muizzu assumed the presidency and requested the withdrawal of Indian troops stationed in the Maldives, intensifying diplomatic friction.
However, tensions appeared to have eased significantly within nine months. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to the Maldives in August 2024 was characterized by reaffirmed commitments to a stronger, more modern ties. Subsequently, President Muizzu extended congratulations to India for its Independence Day, indicating a thaw in relations. Prime Minister Modi reciprocated, emphasizing India’s regard for the Maldives as a valued friend.
In addition to the Maldives, the Budget increased India’s aid to Afghanistan, boosting the allocation from ₹50 crore in FY 2024-25 to ₹100 crore in FY 2025-26. India continues to prioritize development aid to Bhutan, with an allocation of ₹2,150 crore, further solidifying its commitment to regional partnerships. Other neighboring countries are also slated to receive increased funding, demonstrating India’s strategic approach towards its regional relations.
The increased aid in Budget 2025 for the Maldives, along with other neighboring countries such as Afghanistan and Bhutan, reflects India’s strategy to enhance diplomatic and economic ties in the region. After a period of strained relations due to political dynamics within the Maldives, the revised budget serves as a potential indication of improving bilateral ties and commitment to regional cooperation, despite previous tensions regarding military presence and tourism disputes. The Maldives’ political landscape has seen shifts with President Mohamed Muizzu, believed to have closer relations with China, leading to a re-evaluation of its relationships, particularly with India. This context is essential in understanding the significance of rising aid allocations amidst the backdrop of diplomatic reconciliations.
In summary, India’s Budget 2025 reflects a strategic increase in aid to the Maldives and other neighboring nations, signaling a potential warming of relations after prior diplomatic tensions. The increase from ₹470 crore to ₹600 crore for the Maldives, combined with additional aid for Afghanistan and sustained support for Bhutan, illustrates India’s commitment to fostering stronger regional ties and collaboration. Continued dialogues between leaders suggest a path toward restored friendship and mutual benefits for the involved countries.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
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