Introduction
The diplomatic relationship between India and the Maldives, two neighboring nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), has faced another significant setback. The Maldives government, led by President Mohamed Muizzu, has accused an Indian naval helicopter of conducting an unauthorized mission, an allegation that India has vehemently denied. This incident has further strained the already tense ties between the two countries, which had previously been close allies.
Background
The roots of this latest diplomatic spat can be traced back to May 10, 2023, when India withdrew all its military personnel from the Maldives. These personnel were engaged in operating two Indian helicopters and a Dornier aircraft in the region, primarily for humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts. This move came after the Maldives government, under Muizzu, officially requested India to remove its military presence shortly after assuming office in November 2023.
Muizzu, who emerged victorious over former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the previous year's elections, had campaigned on the slogan "India Out," advocating for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives. This stance was a stark contrast to the previous administration's close ties with New Delhi.
The Allegations
On May 11, 2023, during a press conference organized by the Maldives government, Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon leveled serious accusations against Indian military helicopter pilots. Maumoon claimed that the pilots had flown without authorization during the tenure of former President Solih in 2019.
Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, the Chief of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), who was present at the press conference, provided further details. He stated that the unauthorized flight occurred when Indian military personnel landed the helicopter on Thimarafushi island in Thaa Atoll, approximately 222 km south of the capital city of Male. Defense Minister Ghassan also reassured the media that such unauthorized flights could not have taken place after the Muizzu-led government assumed office, implying a tightening of controls over Indian military activities in the Maldives.
Maldives Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon | Photo: AP
India's Response
India swiftly responded to the allegations, denying any wrongdoing. The High Commission of India in the Maldives issued a statement asserting that
"Indian aviation platforms in the island nation have always operated as per agreed procedure."
Addressing the specific incident in question, the High Commission stated, "The specific sortie on October 9, 2019, referred to at the press conference was undertaken with the approval of MNDF." The statement further clarified that "the emergency landing at Thimarafushi was necessitated due to an unforeseen exigency, which was carried out after taking necessary on-ground approvals from the ATC to ensure the safety and security of the platform and crew."
Underlying Tensions
The recent allegations and counter-allegations have shed light on the underlying tensions between the two countries. Muizzu, who campaigned on an anti-India platform, has taken several steps since assuming office to distance the Maldives from its traditionally close ties with India.
In addition to requesting the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, the Maldives government also terminated a hydrography agreement with India. This move was seen as a significant blow to India's strategic interests in the IOR, where the Maldives holds a crucial position.
Despite the strained relations, India recently increased the quota of essential imports to the island nation and extended a $50 million Treasury Bill subscription for another year, as per the request of the Muizzu-led Maldivian government. This gesture was likely an attempt to maintain diplomatic channels and prevent further deterioration of ties.
Strategic Importance
The Maldives holds immense strategic importance for India in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The island nation is a focal point of initiatives such as 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Indian government's 'Neighbourhood First Policy,' both aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and security.
The recent diplomatic tensions between the two nations have raised concerns about the potential implications for India's regional influence and strategic interests in the IOR, an area where China has been actively expanding its presence and influence.
Conclusion
The allegations of an unauthorized helicopter sortie by the Maldives government and India's subsequent denial have further strained the already tense diplomatic relationship between the two nations. While the specifics of the incident remain contested, the broader context of the Maldives' shift towards a more confrontational stance with India under the Muizzu administration is evident. As the Maldives seeks to assert its independence and distance itself from Indian influence, India faces the challenge of navigating these shifting dynamics while maintaining its strategic interests in the region. The diplomatic rifts between the two nations underscore the complexities of regional geopolitics and the delicate balancing act required to preserve stability and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.
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