Wednesday 11 / September / 2024
New Delhi: India and the Maldives share a deep-rooted and historically significant relationship, built on mutual trust, shared values, and strategic cooperation.
However, this bond is being tested by the growing influence of China in the Indian Ocean region, where Beijing’s policies threaten to destabilise the region’s balance of power.
The recent visit of India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, to the Maldives highlights India’s unwavering commitment to its maritime neighbour, even as China attempts to exert its influence through coercive economic and military tactics.
India has long been a reliable and supportive partner to the Maldives, offering assistance in areas such as defence, infrastructure, health, and education. This partnership was particularly robust during the administration of former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who valued India’s role in the island nation’s development.
India’s approach has always been centered on mutual respect and cooperation, without imposing the kind of debt traps and economic strangleholds that have become synonymous with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit was not merely a diplomatic gesture but a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to the stability and prosperity of the Maldives, as well as the broader Indian Ocean region. During his visit, Jaishankar met with key figures in the Maldivian government, including President Muizzu and Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer.
These meetings were crucial in reinforcing the message that India remains a steadfast partner, committed to supporting the Maldives in its development and security needs. Despite the initial friction following Muizzu’s election, the visit demonstrated that India’s commitment to the Maldives transcends individual political leaders and focuses on the long-term stability of the region.
One of the key outcomes of Jaishankar’s visit was the inauguration of India-assisted development projects, including a water and sewerage network spanning 28 islands. These projects are not just symbols of India’s goodwill but are also strategic investments that ensure the Maldives’ continued economic growth and self-reliance.
This is in stark contrast to China’s approach, which often involves luring nations into unsustainable debt traps through predatory lending practices under the guise of development assistance.
China’s growing influence in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean region is a cause for concern. Beijing’s strategy in the region is characterised by its use of economic leverage to gain strategic footholds, a pattern observed in other countries like Sri Lanka and Djibouti.
The Maldives, under President Muizzu, has seen an increase in Chinese military and economic activities, including the docking of a Chinese research vessel and the signing of a bilateral military agreement. These developments raise alarms about the potential for the Maldives to become overly dependent on China, compromising its sovereignty and strategic autonomy.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has been aggressively promoted in the Maldives, is often marketed as a pathway to development. However, the reality is far more complex and perilous. Countries that have engaged with China’s BRI have frequently found themselves saddled with massive debts, with Beijing using these financial obligations as leverage to extract strategic concessions.
The case of Sri Lanka, where China took control of the Hambantota Port after the country defaulted on its debt, serves as a stark warning to the Maldives and other nations in the region.
In the Maldives, the economic situation is precarious, with the country facing a budgetary gap running into hundreds of millions of dollars.
Despite efforts to secure financial aid from China and other nations, it is India that has consistently stepped in to help the Maldives manage its economic challenges without demanding excessive concessions.
For instance, India recently rolled over payments to the State Bank of India (SBI) and extended financial assistance to help the Maldives avoid default.
This stands in sharp contrast to China’s approach, which would likely have involved demanding strategic assets in return for financial support. The Indian Ocean is a vital corridor for global trade and energy supplies, making it a critical area for strategic control.
China’s increasing presence in the region, through initiatives like the BRI and its expanding naval footprint, poses a direct challenge to India’s traditional influence and the broader stability of the region. The Maldives, given its strategic location, is at the center of this geopolitical contest.
India’s approach to the Maldives and the Indian Ocean region is fundamentally different from China’s. While Beijing seeks to establish control through economic move and military expansion, India’s strategy is based on fostering genuine partnerships that promote mutual security and prosperity. India’s vision for the Indian Ocean, encapsulated in the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, is one of inclusivity, where regional security and economic growth are pursued through cooperation rather than coercion.
Jaishankar’s visit to the Maldives also highlighted India’s commitment to ensuring that the Indian Ocean remains a zone of peace and stability. By reinforcing its ties with the Maldives, India is not only countering China’s influence but also sending a clear message to other countries in the region that there is a reliable alternative to China’s overbearing tactics.
The Maldives, like many other countries, is beginning to realize the risks associated with becoming too entangled with China. However, the realities of China’s engagement – the debt traps, the strategic demands, and the loss of autonomy – are becoming increasingly apparent.
India’s consistent and principled support during these challenging times offers a stark contrast to China’s opportunistic approach. While China’s assistance often comes with hidden costs, India’s aid is geared towards empowering the Maldives to achieve sustainable development. This approach not only helps to build long-term stability in the Maldives but also strengthens India’s position as a trusted partner in the region.
In the face of China’s growing influence, India’s relationship with the Maldives is more important than ever. Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit underscored India’s role as a stabilizing force in the Indian Ocean, committed to the region’s peace, prosperity, and security.
As the Maldives navigates its path forward, it is clear that India offers a partnership based on respect, mutual benefit, and a shared vision for the future. China’s influence in the Maldives and the broader region represents a significant challenge, but it is one that can be met with strategic resilience and cooperation. India’s principled and supportive approach stands in stark contrast to China’s coercive tactics, making India not just a better partner for the Maldives, but a guardian of stability in the Indian Ocean. The future of the Maldives, and indeed the region, depends on the choices its leaders make – and the wisdom to recognize who their true friends are.
