Indian FM S. Jaishankar to begin 3-day Maldives visit amid tense relations

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will embark on a three-day official visit to the Maldives on Friday,(Aug 9).

This marks the first high-level visit from New Delhi since relations between the two countries deteriorated following the inauguration of the Maldives' pro-China president, Mohamed Muizzu, nearly nine months ago.

Jaishankar's visit follows the June 9 visit of Maldives’ Muizzu to India for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Council of Ministers.

"Maldives is India's key maritime neighbour and key partner in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and our vision 'SAGAR' - Security and Growth for All in the Region," the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement announcing Jaishankar's visit.

The visit aims to strengthen the close partnership between the two countries and explore opportunities to further enhance their bilateral relationship, according to the statement.

India’srelations with immediate neighbours

The recent ouster of Sheikh Hasina's government in Bangladesh and installation of an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus has raised significant concerns about India's relations with its neighbours.

Notably, India has witnessed five of its allies moving closer to China in the past decade. The collapse of Hasina's government has only added to India's woes, raising questions about the capability of Jaishankar and the Modi government's foreign policy approach.

India's relations with its immediate neighbours, including Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and now Bangladesh, have faced significant challenges in the last few years.

Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh now have a leadership which is pro-China. Sri Lanka also underwent a regime change following economic crisis. However, Lanka and Bhutan are maintaining a neutral stance towards China and India, with a slight tilt towards New Delhi.

S. Jaishankar’s perspective

When asked about India’s foreign policy and the increasing influence of China, Jaishankar agreed to the competition but seemed to downplay concerns.

“We must acknowledge two key realities: China is also a neighbouring country, and as a result, it will inevitably influence these nations as part of competitive politics (Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh)."

This statement was in response to a question during a session with students at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai in January this year.

(With inputs from agencies)