Muizzu’s ignorance

Earlier this week, the Maldives said that, as part of a recently signed deal, China will provide its troops with free “non-lethal” military gear and training. This is Male’s first agreement for military cooperation with Beijing, which has previously helped it with economic and urban development. The agreement was reached only a few days after President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives issued an order prohibiting any Indian—citizen or uniformed—from operating India-deployed helicopters after May 10.

The return of Indian military soldiers in uniform was anticipated after Muizzu’s victory in the previous year’s presidential election. His primary platform throughout the campaign was “India Out,” which cast doubt on any aid coming from India. Even Muizzu referred to India as a bully. S Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, retaliated by claiming that wealthy bullies withheld $4.5 billion from their neighbors in times of need. Additionally, according to Jaishankar, “they don’t make exceptions to their own rules to respond to food, fuel, or fertiliser demands because some war in some other part of the world has complicated their lives.”

Muizzu should keep in mind that the Maldives need as many friends as possible. With little healthcare and educational resources, the primary industry relies on tourism, which is prone to fluctuations and is often the first to be affected by conflicts or shortages. In response to China’s growing military presence, India established a new naval facility at Minicoy Island, which is just 125 kilometers from the Maldives.

The Maldives are weary of Muizzu’s endless grandstanding against India since the Opposition took over the crucial politically post of Male Mayor, which he had left vacant. By naming the naval facility INS Jatayu after the fabled bird from the Ramayana that was the first to arrive when Ravana kidnapped Sita, India is presumably conveying a message.