Shortly after his six-day tour to China, he returned to the capital, Male, and issued his ultimatum. Muizzu claims that their bilateral ties have reached a new height as a result of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Additionally, he said that the two nations enjoy a close connection since China is reluctant to meddle in the internal affairs of the Maldives. Given that his nation owes China $1.37 billion, or over 20% of its total public debt, it makes sense that Muizzu is all praise for Beijing. But his jab at India, “We may be small, but that doesn’t give you the licence to bully us,” struck a discordant tone.
Source: Order of India
It’s clear that China is pressuring Muizzu to take a bigger stand against India. The Maldives have no need to harbour animosity toward New Delhi, as the latter has never shied away from offering the island nation military or humanitarian aid. The Maldives has long been a favourite destination for Indian visitors and filmmakers, who make major contributions to the country’s economy.
Despite the pro-India stance of the majority of his predecessors, Muizzu has been transparent about his inclination towards China. His irrational stance is what gave three of his government’s deputy ministers the confidence to disparage Prime Minister Modi on the latter’s visit to Lakshadweep.
Source: Times of India
The trio’s suspension has only been an eyewash. Muizzu must be persuaded to see sense by New Delhi. The sovereignty of the Maldives is not threatened by the presence of about eighty Indian military soldiers. The Maldives, which are taking a very big gamble by putting all of their eggs in the Chinese basket, will suffer if ties with India are ruined.
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