Beijing and Delhi are competing for influence in the Maldives, with the newly elected government potentially shifting its allegiance from India to China. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s beach photoshoot earlier this year sparked a feud between India and the Maldives over whose beaches were more beautiful, leading to diplomatic tensions and calls for an Indian tourist boycott of the Maldives.
The election of Mohamed Muizzu as president has raised concerns about potential alignment with China, with both Beijing and Delhi vying for influence in the region amidst an ongoing border dispute. Muizzu’s party secured victory in parliamentary elections in April, signaling a potential shift towards China. The strategic importance of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean makes it a key location for both superpowers, with questions arising about a potential shift towards China.
However, former Maldivian Foreign Minister Ahmed Shaheed suggests that the new government’s main focus is addressing financial challenges rather than ideology. With state coffers running low and a need for infrastructure development, seeking aid from China is seen as a pragmatic move to fulfill election promises. The Maldives aims to strike a balance between its relations with India and China, acknowledging the importance of both countries economically and strategically. With a small population and an economy heavily reliant on tourism, the Maldives needs to maintain good relations with both regional powers to ensure its stability and prosperity.
