For long, conjured up with the
totemic precincts of South Asia, Indian strategic pursuits remained boxed in
the framework of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).
Surpassing the barricades of prefixed boundaries, Modi made a dynamic move of
inviting BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and
Economic Cooperation) leaders for his swearing-in ceremony signalling India’s
east ward orientation. Complementing his pragmatic diplomatic outreach,
reinforcing the inclusivity of “Neighbourhood First Policy”, Prime Minister
Modi, the leader of the largest democratic republic began his second innings
with a maiden bilateral visit to Maldives, the tiny Muslim nation.
During his first term, Modi
reshaped India’s ties with immediate neighbours with numerous bilateral visits,
generous credit lines and invoking traditional links. But India’s ties took a
hit under Maldivian President Yameen whose overturned India First Policy of
Male and made overt overtures to China. Indo-Maldivian ties nosedived under an
authoritarian Yameen who imposed emergency, denied visas to Indian personnel
stationed in Maldives and returned reconnaissance choppers gifted by India. India
resisted use of force, took diplomatic recourse and ensured conduct of free and
fair elections. Surprise victory of President Mohammed Solih supported by
Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) put the archipelago back on to the path of
democracy. Reiterating India’s support to people’s verdict, Prime Minister Modi
the lone South Asian leader to be invited for the oath taking ceremony graced
the occasion. Asserting India’s support to the Indian Ocean Archipelago, Modi
resurrected India’s ties with its western maritime neighbour.
Reciprocating Modi’s visit, Solih made
India the first port of call after assuming charge. Injecting new confidence
and trust, India offered a generous assistance of $1.4 billion financial
assistance as budgetary support, currency swap and credit line for economic
development to Solih government staring at a Chinese debt trap. Months after
Solih’s visit, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj signed an agreement
extending $ 800 million credit line for financial reconstruction. While New
Delhi was sympathetic towards the economic plight of Maldives it demanded that
India’s financial aid shouldn’t be used for servicing Chinese debts. Series of
high-level visits thus reinvigorated bilateral ties.
Modi’s first bilateral visit not
only reaffirmed geostrategic importance of neighbourhood first policy but
envisaged to give a massive fillip to the SAGAR doctrine. On his visit to
Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka in 2015, Modi pronounced Indian Ocean
Strategy, SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) underscoring the
importance of securing the maritime domains and developing blue economy to
transform economies of Indian Ocean Islands. The doctrine attempts to address
the issues of sustainable development and challenges faced by Small Island
Nations grappling with climate change. Maldives which abuts the major shipping
routes of the Indian Ocean and just 750 nautical miles away from Indian
peninsula is strategically important for security and stability of the Indian
Ocean Region.
Modi’s first visit to the
Archipelago after returning to power attests India’s commitment in furthering
democracy and symbolised return of peace, law and order to the islands which
reeled under emergency imposed by an authoritarian regime. Espousing the
two-pronged strategy of reinvigorating and strengthening ties and to address
special needs and concerns of small islands Modi travelled to Male on June 8th.
Modi was received by the foreign minister Abdulla Shahid received ceremonial
reception. Invited to address the session of the newly constituted Majilis
(Parliament of Maldives), Modi paid glowing tributes to the indomitable courage
and will of the people who overwhelmingly chose democracy. Speaking from the
pedestal of Power at Maldives Republic, Modi put forth his vision for the
region, the challenges faced and offered unstinted cooperation towards its
development. He asserted that mantra of “Sab ka saath sab ka vikas and sab
ka vishwas” (together with all, for the development of all and with the
trust of all) is not only for India but is guiding principle of his foreign
policy. He called the centuries old trade, cultural and ethnic ties between both
countries and listed some words which have same meaning in both Hindi and
Divehi language. Driving home the importance of fostering the cultural links
between both the countries, Modi agreed to start ferry service between Kochi
and Male to strengthen people to people connect.
Pledging mutual cooperation, amidst
the growing geopolitical uncertainties, realignments and shifting axis of
power, Modi recounted three major challenges of the region-terrorism, climate
change and need for rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific. These sectors have
become vital areas for mutual cooperation as well. The Indian sub-continent and
more specifically, Maldives is beset by rampant indoctrination and
radicalisation. On per capita basis, Maldives is the only non-Arab country with
highest number of foreign fighters in ISIS. Radicalisation received a huge
fillip under Yameen’s regime who trampled the syncretic attributes of the
archipelago. State sponsor terrorism similar to climate change has emerged as
major challenge in the contemporary times. Modi sought cooperation of
international community to convening global summits to address the same. He
condemned the penchant of countries that justify this barbarism under the
illogical distinction of “good and bad terrorists”.
Speaking about the adverse effects
of adverse climate change leading to melting of ice caps, concomitant rise in
sea-water levels and threat of inundation faced by small island nations, Modi
reflected on India’s climate change initiative International Solar Alliance
(ISA) a joint initiative of India and France. He congratulated Maldives for ratifying
ISA and highlighted potential use of renewable energy sources in mitigating
climate changes. With centres of power shifting from the West to the East, the
construct of Indo-Pacific is finding greater relevance. Though there still
remains some confusion about the demarcation of Indo-Pacific region home to 50%
of World’s population, New Delhi’s definition stretches from Gulf of Aden to
Malacca Straits. Severe contestations, unresolved maritime and territorial
disputes turned Indo-Pacific, a hotbed for rivalries. To ensure stability in
this region, nations must subscribe to rules-based order. Increasingly, small
island nations are insisting on their “Indian Ocean identity”. By acknowledging
the strategic importance of Maldives which is conscious of its maritime
salience, Modi has enhanced political leverage of India. By invoking India’s
policy of “Vasudaivakutumbakam” Modi vouched to support Maldives for the
greater prosperity and common good of the region. These traditional
underpinning go a long way in earning trust of the neighbours. Taking an
indirect at China, Modi assured that India’s developmental partnerships would
empower people, enhance progress, reduce dependence and not weaken them.
Cementing ties and laying
foundation for nation building institutions, India and Maldives signed MoUs in
the field of hydrography, health, establishment of passenger and cargo services
by Sea, cooperation in customs capacity building, sharing white water shipping
information. Leaders have jointly inaugurated the Composite Training Facility
of the Maldives National Defence Force in Maafilafushi and Coastal Surveillance
Radar System by remote link.
India offered to construct an
international cricket stadium and provide world class training facilities.
Maldives in return allotted land for the new Chancery Building at Hulhumale. As
a token of appreciation of Modi’s stellar efforts in revamping Indo-Maldivian
ties and India’s magnanimous financial assistance, Maldivian government has
conferred the highest civilian award, the Order of the Distinguished Rule of
Izzudeen. This honour is an indirect recognition of “patient diplomacy” adopted
by India which resisted the temptation to intervene militarily despite
President Yameen’s repeated provocations. Restoration of democracy has opened
up a fresh chapter in Maldivian politics. India’s resolve to help Maldives to
address its developmental challenges and priorities has turned the tide in
favour of New Delhi. At a time, when analysts have announced that India has
lost its neighbourhood to China through persistent and concerted efforts, India
is slowly winning them back. Effusive warmth, new faith and Maldivian desire to
“rekindle old friendships while fostering new ones” marks a new high in
Indo-Maldivian ties.
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