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Maldives Is Looking For A Life Boat

Diplomatic tensions between India and Maldives escalate, with President Muizzu seeking closer ties with China amid economic challenges.

Yukti Khera, World Brief writer at the Foreign Analysis.

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FEBRUARY 10, 2024

Welcome back to World Brief, where we take a look at the evolving diplomatic landscape between the Maldives and India, amidst the Maldives’ strengthening ties with China. In a significant shift, President Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, has requested the withdrawal of 88 Indian military personnel, signaling a deeper alignment with Beijing.

Maldives is one of the primary vacation spots in the world, especially for Indians. However, the recent diplomatic row between India and Maldives has not been so pleasant for Maldives. The row sparked between India and Maldives has left the nation distressed. A few days after the row, President Mohamed Muizzu visited China to strengthen ties, one of India’s biggest rivals. 

President Muizzu, a widely known pro-China leader, soon after coming into power, formally requested India to withdraw 88 military personnel by March 15. This is another step for Male to strengthen ties with Beijing. On January 31, China announced that “comprehensive mutual visa cooperation” has been worked out with 23 countries, including the Maldives.

Muizzu appealed to Chinese tourists to visit his nation so as to reclaim the previously owned top tourist spot; China, to become the most significant tourist market for Maldives. With all this turbulence, amid Male borrowing heavily from China, Maldives has been warned by the IMF concerning a high risk of heavy debt distress. President Muizzu thanked China for its “selfless assistance” in overcoming the fallback economy due to tourism, trade and healthcare.

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