Imagine a case where were you intentionally squabbling with your small neighboring country a few days back but suddenly you decided to shower them with gifts. Sounds odd, right? Well, that is exactly what India did during its latest interim budget 2024. the India’s Surprise Gift to Maldives
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting the interim budget has allocated Rs 770.90 crore for developmental assistance to the Maldives, an almost 50 per cent increase from initial Rs 400 crore. This is surprising given the recent diplomatic as well as Maldive’s offensive order to India for Withdrawing its troops from the country. Maldives under a new president has taken a clear and explicit tilt toward China. But it is worth asking that why did India make this unexpected move?
Why did India make this unexpected move?
The subtle and simple explanation is that Maldives, under the newly-elected President Mohamed Muazu, has shown a clear sign of distancing itself from India and embracing China as a strategic partner. After being the president, Muizzu went China as his first foreign visit and inked several deals with Beijing. Maldives also during this visit upgraded the bilateral relationship to a “comprehensive strategic cooperation” level. When he came back to Maldives, He ran “India Out” campaign. He has been promising this during the elections, accusing India of interfering in the Maldives’ sovereignty and domestic affairs.
May be India realized that breaking up with Maldives, which is strategically located near one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world is a bad move. This might be the reason that why suddenly there is an increase in the developmental assistance given to Maldives.
After China’s warmth welcome to Maldivian president and promise to invest in the Island, India is realising that offending this tiny island was a strategic mistake.
The increase in the developmental assistance to Maldives in the budget is a pragmatic and flexible approach to its established policy. Executing foreign policy for the domestic audience is never beneficial in the long run.
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It is worth noting that India has been Maldives’ traditional ally and benefactor. India has provided aid and assistance in various sectors such as defence, education, health, and infrastructure. India has always given helping hand in times of crisis, such as the 2004 tsunami, the 2014 water shortage, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whatever the case, India’s aid to the Maldives reflects its continued commitment and engagement with the island nation.
