Recent Maldives-india Row

RECENT MALDIVES-INDIA ROW

Maldives-India relations have been strained since President Mohamed Muizzu's election in September, following his demand for India to withdraw all troops from the archipelago for which the deadline was set for March 15th, 2024.

President Muizzu, known for his anti-India and pro-China stance, gained power through his "India Out" electoral campaign, referencing Indian troops on Maldivian soil. He visited China and Turkey on his first official visit after assuming office, instead of India, breaking tradition.

Muizzu also urges China to regain its top spot in tourist arrivals.

The Maldives govt. has decided not to renew its 2019 agreement with India for a hydrographic survey of its waters, which allowed India to study and chart reefs, lagoons, coastlines, and ocean currents.

The latest trigger has been undiplomatic words used by ministers in Maldives against the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in particular and Indians in general.

This prompted a “Boycott Maldives” trend on social media with many Indians including celebrities tweeting against the island country and encouraging Indians to explore Lakshadweep and other Indian tourist destinations instead of the Maldives.

Even though Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s government suspended the three ministers and distanced itself from the disparaging remarks, many Indian tourists cancelled their reservations and hotel bookings to the Maldives.