Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu ditches India and visits China followed by his first official visit to Turkey in November 2023.
Table of Contents
Mohamed Muizzu On China Tour
Amidst a landscape of geopolitical shifts, the President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu along with his wife Sajidha Mohamed, embarked on an official visit to the Republic Of China on January 7. The upcoming visit to China has been thoughtfully planned for six days and is set to conclude on January 12. A delegation of high-ranking government officials will also accompany the President.
Throughout the visit, the two nations anticipate signing multiple agreements to enhance their bilateral ties. President Xi is set to host a welcome ceremony and banquet for Muizzu, followed by talks and a signing ceremony for bilateral cooperation documents between the two presidents.
Maldives-China Relations
Maldives always has an oscillating relationship with China and India. However, in recent years, China’s closeness with Maldives has increased. This has manifested in a shift of relationship ties, especially after China’s financial support to Maldives.
China has invested significantly in the Maldives, particularly in infrastructure projects such as the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge. While India expresses apprehensions regarding China’s influence in the Maldives, the island nation remains committed to fostering relationships with both China and India.
Derogatory Remarks On the Prime Minister Of India
The current President of Maldives won the election with an "India Out" agenda. If Indians are not welcomed by Maldivians, why should we go there?
— Vertigo_Warrior (@VertigoWarrior) January 8, 2024
Instead, we must #ExploreIndianIslands like Lakshadweep & Andaman. pic.twitter.com/icYa3mdd4m
Recent events have indicated a strain in the diplomatic ties between India and the Maldives. It started with the “INDIA OUT” campaign by now President Muizzu in Maldives’ recent elections. He accused his predecessor, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, of permitting Indian troops in the island nation. Solih, who had warm relations with India got booted out of power.
Adding fuel to the diplomatic fire, a tweet from Maldives Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment Mariyam Shiuna, posted shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep, has ignited a storm on social media.
She had called Indian PM Modi a “clown” and “puppet” in now-deleted posts on X after receiving heavy backlash.
Backlash From India: Incoming Loss For Maldives
Reports indicate that the Indian High Commissioner in Male has engaged with the Maldivian government on the matter.
Indian High Commissioner meets Maldivian envoy in Male, amid row over remarks on PM Modi
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) January 8, 2024
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/5lmkxWveYg#India #Maldives #PMModi #Male pic.twitter.com/lUxzVQcNdC
These remarks are racist and disparaging, involving unfavorable comparisons of Indian and Maldivian tourist spots, and questioning the Prime Minister’s affiliations. Protests and debates have circulated all over the internet.
Notably, Indian celebrities, politicians, and public figures have joined the online debate demanding a boycott of the island nation.
Akshay Kumar took to X (Former Twitter), “Came across comments from prominent public figures from the Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists.” He further said, “We are good to our neighbors but why should we tolerate such unprovoked hate?”, urging his fans to support Indian Tourism instead.
Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists.
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 7, 2024
We are good to our neighbors but
why should we tolerate such… pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN
Disheartened by the disrespectful behavior of certain Maldivian authorities towards India, despite their economic growth fueled by Indian travelers. Consider boycotting #Maldives and explore the beauty of #Lakshadweep. Support and explore local tourism! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/7l759YSarT
— Chiranjiv Patel (@ChiranjivPatel) January 7, 2024
Calls for an outright economic boycott, tourism boycott, and “support Indian Tourism” are being made loudly by the netizens.
In this hyper-nationalist wave of counter-attacks, many travel firms in India have unilaterally decided to stop taking Maldives bookings. Many Indians have canceled their pre-booked flights and travel bookings to Maldives.
In response to this heavy backlash, Mohamed Muizzu has suspended three erring ministers – Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha, and Hassan Zihan over racist remarks against PM Modi.
