India-Maldives Diplomatic Row Escalates Over Derogatory Remarks
India-Maldives relations strain as BJP demands action over Maldivian ministers' derogatory remarks.
Photo by Davi Mendes
A diplomatic row has erupted between India and the Maldives following derogatory remarks made by Maldivian ministers against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly concerning Lakshadweep. The BJP has strongly condemned these comments, demanding action from the Maldivian government and emphasizing India's stance against interference in its internal matters.
This incident has sparked outrage in India, leading to calls for boycotting Maldives as a tourist destination. The controversy highlights the delicate balance in bilateral relations, India's "Neighbourhood First" policy, and the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean region, especially with China's growing influence in the Maldives.
Key Facts
Derogatory remarks by Maldivian ministers against India and PM Modi
Remarks followed PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep
BJP condemned remarks and demanded action
Calls for boycotting Maldives as a tourist destination in India
UPSC Exam Angles
India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and its effectiveness
Geopolitical significance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
China's growing influence in the Maldives and its implications for India's security
Strategic importance of Lakshadweep and Maldives
Diplomatic protocols and conduct in international relations
Visual Insights
India-Maldives Diplomatic Row: Strategic Locations & IOR Context
This map illustrates the geographical context of the India-Maldives diplomatic row, highlighting the proximity of Lakshadweep to Maldives and key strategic chokepoints in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It also shows the increasing Chinese footprint in the region, which adds a geopolitical layer to bilateral relations.
Loading interactive map...
Recent Developments in India-Maldives Relations (2018-2026)
This timeline outlines key events and policy shifts in India-Maldives bilateral relations, leading up to the current diplomatic row. It highlights periods of cooperation, challenges, and the influence of domestic politics and external factors.
India and Maldives have historically shared close ties, but relations have seen fluctuations, particularly with changes in Maldivian leadership and increasing Chinese influence. The 'Neighbourhood First' policy aims to maintain strong bonds, but recent political shifts in Maldives have introduced new challenges, culminating in the current diplomatic incident.
- 2018Pro-India Solih government comes to power, improving strained ties.
- 2019PM Modi's first foreign visit to Maldives, emphasizing 'Neighbourhood First' and SAGAR vision. India announces $1.4 billion financial assistance.
- 2020Launch of 'India Out' campaign in Maldives, protesting Indian military presence and influence.
- 2021India provides significant COVID-19 assistance (Vaccine Maitri, financial aid) to Maldives.
- 2023 (Sept)Maldivian Presidential Elections: Pro-China Muizzu wins on 'India Out' platform, signaling a policy shift.
- 2023 (Nov)Maldives formally requests India to withdraw its military personnel.
- 2024 (Jan)India-Maldives Joint Working Group meeting on military withdrawal. Maldives decides not to renew hydrographic survey agreement with India.
- 2026 (Jan)Current Diplomatic Row: Maldivian ministers make derogatory remarks against India/PM Modi concerning Lakshadweep, leading to calls for tourism boycott.
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy: 1. It prioritizes improving relations with immediate neighbours, including extending economic and security assistance. 2. The policy explicitly excludes countries with which India has unresolved border disputes. 3. Under this policy, India aims to be a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct. 'Neighbourhood First' policy indeed prioritizes improving relations with immediate neighbours, focusing on connectivity, cooperation, and assistance. Statement 2 is incorrect. The policy does not exclude countries with unresolved border disputes; rather, it seeks engagement and resolution through dialogue, as seen with Nepal or Bangladesh. Statement 3 is correct. A key tenet of the policy, especially in the maritime domain, is for India to act as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region, offering assistance in disaster relief, maritime security, and capacity building to its neighbours.
2. Which of the following statements correctly describes the geographical and strategic significance of Lakshadweep and Maldives in the Indian Ocean Region? 1. Both Lakshadweep and Maldives are coral atolls, making them vulnerable to sea-level rise. 2. Lakshadweep lies to the west of the Malabar Coast, while Maldives is situated to the south of Lakshadweep. 3. The 'Nine Degree Channel' separates Minicoy Island of Lakshadweep from the main group of Lakshadweep islands, while the 'Eight Degree Channel' separates Minicoy from the Maldives. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct. Both Lakshadweep and Maldives are archipelagos primarily composed of coral atolls, making them highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change, particularly sea-level rise. Statement 2 is correct. Lakshadweep is located in the Arabian Sea, west of Kerala's Malabar Coast. The Maldives archipelago is located south of Lakshadweep. Statement 3 is correct. The 'Nine Degree Channel' separates Minicoy Island from the main Lakshadweep archipelago. The 'Eight Degree Channel' separates Minicoy Island (part of Lakshadweep) from the northernmost islands of the Maldives.
3. In the context of India's strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region, consider the following initiatives/concepts: 1. SAGAR: A vision for Security and Growth for All in the Region, emphasizing cooperative maritime security. 2. String of Pearls: A geopolitical theory describing China's network of military and commercial facilities along its sea lines of communication. 3. Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad): A strategic forum between India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, primarily focused on the Indo-Pacific. Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three pairs are correctly matched. 1. SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) is indeed India's strategic vision for the Indian Ocean, focusing on maritime cooperation, security, and economic growth for all littoral states. 2. The String of Pearls is a well-known geopolitical concept describing China's strategic presence (ports, military bases, surveillance facilities) across the Indian Ocean, from the South China Sea to the Arabian Sea, which is seen by some as a potential encirclement strategy against India. 3. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is a strategic dialogue between India, the US, Japan, and Australia, aimed at promoting a free, open, prosperous, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, often viewed as a counter-balance to China's growing influence.
4. Which of the following is NOT a significant aspect of India-Maldives bilateral relations in recent decades?
- A.India has consistently been the largest source of tourists for the Maldives.
- B.India has provided substantial security assistance and training to the Maldivian National Defence Force.
- C.India has maintained a permanent military base in the Maldives as part of a bilateral defence pact.
- D.India has been a key development partner, undertaking various infrastructure projects and providing financial aid.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Option C is incorrect. India does not maintain a permanent military base in the Maldives. While India has a significant security presence in the Indian Ocean and has provided extensive security assistance, training, and equipment to the Maldives, including operating Dornier aircraft and helicopters for surveillance and medical evacuation, it does not have a permanent military base there. The 'India Out' campaign in the Maldives often targets the presence of Indian military personnel operating these assets, but it's not a 'base' in the traditional sense. Options A, B, and D are correct statements reflecting the strong bilateral ties. India has historically been the largest source of tourists, a major security provider, and a crucial development partner for the Maldives.