Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit to China, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a senior government delegation, deepens the diplomatic shift as tensions rise with India. The visit, extended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, takes place amidst a diplomatic row with India following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep.
President Muizzu’s visit to China, scheduled until January 12, is closely watched as India-Maldives ties strain. The diplomatic dispute escalated after alleged ‘Hinduphobic’ remarks by Maldives Deputy Minister Mariyam Shiuna sparked social media backlash, leading to calls for boycotting the island nation.
Reports indicate a growing number of Indians canceling trips to the Maldives, and the hashtag ‘BoycottMaldives’ trends on social media. India has expressed concern over derogatory comments against PM Modi, with the Indian High Commissioner addressing the issue with the Maldivian government.
The recent distancing of the Maldivian government from the comments aligns with its decision to terminate a hydrography agreement with India in 2019. President Muizzu’s government has also sought the withdrawal of Indian troops, marking a shift from the island nation’s India-first policy.
While India traditionally maintained cordial relations with the Maldives, the situation underscores the country’s oscillation between alliances with India and China. President Muizzu’s pledge to remove Indian soldiers and alter the India-first policy signals a significant change in the dynamics of India-Maldives relations.
