Maldives makes U-Turn: "India Out" to "Welcome India" | Vantage With Palki Sharma

Summary

The Maldivian government has shifted its stance towards India, moving from an anti-India campaign to seeking closer ties. President Muhammad Muu, who previously led an 'India out' campaign, now expresses gratitude for India's support in easing debt burdens and discusses negotiations for a free trade and currency swap agreement. Amidst the pandemic's impact on tourism, the Maldives faces economic challenges, prompting a diplomatic pivot. India's debt relief is welcomed, but the Maldives must attract more Indian tourists to bolster its economy. The tourism minister's visit to India aims to rekindle tourism ties, illustrating a significant U-turn in Maldivian foreign policy.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The Maldivian government has shifted its stance from anti-India to a more friendly tone towards India.
• 🎉 Maldivian President Muhammad Muu expressed sincere gratitude to India for supporting the Maldives and easing their debt repayment burden.
• 🤝 President Muu is negotiating a free trade agreement and a currency swap agreement with India to expand trade ties.
• 🔄 This is a significant change for President Muu, who previously led an 'India out' campaign, viewing Indian military presence as a threat to Maldivian sovereignty.
• 🇮🇳 Indian troops stationed in the Maldives for maritime rescue and relief operations have been replaced by civilians, reflecting a shift from 'India out' to 'Indian troops out'.
• 💼 Diplomatic tensions arose from the 'India out' campaign and subsequent actions by the Maldivian government.
• 📉 The Maldives' economy, heavily dependent on tourism, suffered from a boycott campaign in India, leading to significant economic fallout.
• 🦠 The Maldivian economy was already struggling due to the impact of the Wuhan virus pandemic on global tourism.
• 💼 India has shown pragmatic approach by extending a loan repayment and inviting President Muu to Prime Minister Modi's swearing-in ceremony.
• 🏖️ The Maldives is in need of debt relief and is looking to attract more Indian tourists to boost its economy.
• 📢 The Maldivian tourism minister is in India to launch a promotional drive called 'Welcome India' to encourage Indian tourists to return.

Q & A

What was the Maldivian government's stance towards India a few months ago?

A few months ago, the Maldivian government had an anti-India stance.

What did Maldivian President Muhammad Muu do in his Independence Day speech that was unexpected?

In his Independence Day speech, President Muhammad Muu unexpectedly thanked India for its support and help in easing the Maldives' debt repayment burden.

What agreements is the Maldives negotiating with India according to President Muu's speech?

The Maldives is negotiating a free trade agreement and a currency swap agreement with India.

What was the main platform of President Muu's campaign when he came to power last year?

President Muu came to power on a platform that led an 'India out' campaign, which was against the presence of Indian military personnel in the Maldives.

How did the Maldivian government's actions affect the tourism industry in the Maldives?

The Maldivian government's actions led to a boycott campaign in India, causing many Indians to cancel their trips to the Maldives, which significantly impacted the tourism-dependent economy.

What is the current state of the Maldivian economy due to the global tourism crash?

The Maldivian economy is in a precarious position due to the Wuhan virus pandemic and the resultant crash in global tourism.

How did the Indian government respond to the Maldives' debt situation?

The Indian government showed goodwill by agreeing to roll over some debt on a $50 million loan and extending the repayment by one year.

What is the Maldives' tourism minister doing to attract Indian tourists again?

The Maldives' tourism minister is in India launching a promotion drive called 'Welcome India' with road shows in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to persuade Indians to visit the Maldives.

What was the diplomatic blunder committed by some Maldivian ministers regarding Prime Minister Modi?

Some Maldivian ministers insulted Prime Minister Modi on social media when he was promoting Lakshadweep as a tourism hotspot, sparking outrage in India.

What is the significance of the Indian tourists for the Maldives' economy?

Indian tourists are significant for the Maldives' economy as tourism is the main money maker for the country, and their influx helps in recovering from the economic slump.

How has the relationship between India and the Maldives evolved according to the script?

The relationship has evolved from an 'India out' stance to a more welcoming approach, with the Maldives seeking to expand trade ties and attract Indian tourists again.