In the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Maldives, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the situation, acknowledging the unpredictability of politics. During the Manthan: Townhall meeting in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Jaishankar expressed, “Politics is politics. I cannot guarantee that in every country, every day, everybody will support us or agree with us.” Despite this, he emphasized a decade-long effort to build strong connections, ensuring that despite political ups and downs, the general public maintains positive sentiments toward India.
Jaishankar highlighted India’s extensive engagement in infrastructure development globally, encompassing projects such as building roads, electricity transmission, supplying fuel, facilitating trade access, making investments, and encouraging people to holiday in other countries. These, according to him, are integral components of fostering positive international relationships.
Acknowledging that challenges may arise, Jaishankar underscored the importance of reasoning with people to bring things back to a constructive path. The strained India-Maldives relationship escalated when three Maldivian ministers made derogatory remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. Although the Maldives government distanced itself from these remarks, the fallout resulted in a diplomatic dispute.
President Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, formally requested India to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives soon after assuming office. The request, backed by what he deemed a “strong mandate” from the Maldivian people, escalated the tensions. The specified deadline for the troop withdrawal is March 15. According to recent government figures, there are currently 88 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives.
The evolving situation exemplifies the complex dynamics of international relations and the necessity for adept diplomacy to navigate challenges and maintain amicable ties between nations.
