Maldives deports 43 Indians
Maldives is rising its ante against India for some time. Entire controversy started after the 3 ministers of Maldivian government made derogatory remarks on the visit of Modi’s Lakshadweep entourage. This issue even escalated to summoning of envoy of Maldives in Delhi. Known celebrities also took a plunge in this issue, announced informal boycott of Maldives and projected Lakshadweep to be the best tourist destination. They vowed to travel Lakshadweep only next time. Easy my trip, an online platform that provide exclusive offers on holiday packages, suspended Maldives from its tourist places.
Entire controversy that started from an tweet on “X” has now transformed into broader geopolitical tensions in the vicinity of India with Maldives inching closer towards China for help.
Mohammad Muizzu government has recently visited China and inked numerous bilateral agreements. After forming the government, Mohammad Muizzu distanced Maldives from India and went way closer to China which has proven detrimental to India-Maldives bilateral relationship.
Recently, Maldives has decreed to deport 43 Indians for flouting Visa norms and indulging in drug and narcotic activities.
In this deportation list, 83 Bangladeshis, 25 Sri Lankans and 8 Nepalis are also included. Maldivian Home Minister said their government is working in tandem with Finance Ministry to expel the illegal immigrants. They have arrested many workers and planning their deportation as they could not present any valid travel document and passport.
Why Maldives is doing this?
Mohammad Muizzu came to power on his entire anti-India campaign. Maldives is witnessing a tectonic shift in its foreign policy which is getting more dependent on China. China has maritime interests in Maldives with developing maritime bases around Indian borders. So, Maldives has geopolitical advantage that they want to exploit for their own interests.
This same policy of developing cooperation with China has recently back fired in Sri Lanka and brought this island country to its knees with ever rising debt costs. India came to their rescue with infusion of funds and lending at nominal rates.