By Dr. D.K. Giri
Digital technology is a wonderful invention and social media is a powerful platform. But remember, EF Schumacher had propounded the concept of appropriate technology which is defined by judicious use of any technology by its consumers. In the India-Maldives relations, the recent unsavoury spat in the social media backed by a dose of hyper nationalism on both sides is a classic case of overuse if not crass abuse of social media. Unfortunately, both the countries have perhaps unconsciously allowed the social media to influence negatively the bilateral relations.
The fracas began with absolutely uncalled for reactions by three Maldivian ministers to snapshots posted by Prime Minister Modi of his trip to Lakshadweep. Even in the words of former President of Maldives, Ibrahim Solih that the ministers used ‘hateful language’. Of course, the Maldives government immediately suspended the ministers.
Nevertheless, in reaction to the derogatory personal comments by the Maldivian ministers on Indian Prime Minister, all hell broke loose on the Indian social media. A fairly big travel agency EaseMyTrip CEO reacted by cancelling thousands of bookings by Indian tourists to Maldives. Another Indian travel aggregator removed Male as a destination from its travel website and encouraged tourists to go instead for Indian beaches. BJP IT cell unleashed its troll army to take on Maldives. It roped in its favourite acquiescent celebrities from sports and cinema – Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar – ironically the very people who holiday in Maldives.
A South Indian film star Nagarjuna cancelled his entire family’s visit to Maldives in support of the Prime Minister and the country. The troll army used demeaning language in attacking Maldives. The point is, was it necessary to disparage Maldives while promoting Lakshadweep and other holidays spots in India. The outburst of nationalism against a small neighbouring country, which has been friendly and dependent on India was equally uncalled for. Worse, a commerce organisation has said they would not trade with Maldives.
The patriotic cheerleaders and social media warriors are oblivious of two important elements in the recent episode. One is presenting Lakshadweep as an alternative to Maldives. There is no doubt that there are several wonderful, underused tourist spots in India. How to promote tourism to such areas is another discussion. It should be noted that Lakshadweep is a small archipelago located in 32 sq kms, quite small to absorb numerous footfalls. It is an ecologically sensitive zone that contains the carbon footprint in the Island. It has, as of now, very little connectivity. There is one daily 60-seater flight from Kochi to Agatti. Only two of five ferries sail between Kochi and Lakshadweep. There are barely 100 rooms across the Island. Lakshadweep is certainly exquisite. But the question is whether average Indian tourists always game for food and shopping will find much attraction.
The second issue is the comprehension of Maldivian politics, especially after the election of President Mohamed Muizzu having a pro-China tilt. Muizzu ran his campaign on an ‘India Out’ plank. A correct perception of the recent political developments in Maldives should help steady the India-Maldives bilateral relations. Let us not forget that Maldives politics is divided like that of any other country. All Maldivians or political parties are not against India. The Opposition parties are vigorously protesting the anti-India positioning by the present Maldivian government. In fact, there have been calls for a no-confidence motion against the ruling regime. Even a Maldivian tourism body wrote to their Indian counterparts, “We want you to know the bonds connecting our nations transcend politics. We consider our Indian counterparts as cherish brothers and sisters”.
Maldives economy is run largely by its tourism. India is by far the largest source of tourism for Maldives. So, the panic, even if we discount the pro-Indian feeling in anti-Muizzu political segments, is understandable. In 2023, over two lakh tourists from India landed in Maldives that has around 5 lakh people. Even in the pandemic, 63000 Indians visited Maldives. Over last two years, 4.5 lakh Indians have been to Maldives. President Muizzu asserted that Maldives can substitute Indian tourists by an increase in the flow of tourists from China. Apparently, he made a request to Chinese President Xi Jinping to send more tourists to his country. It is hard to imagine that China can literally turn on a tap that increases the flow of tourists to any destination.
Let us also remember that leadership in many countries in the India-Pacific region is divided as pro or anti-China. Those who are anti-China seem to be pro-India and vice-e-versa. The countries that come to mind are Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldivies and so on. The External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in an event in Nagpur reacted to the journalists on the recent tension with Maldives. He also suggested that small countries try to leverage the big power rivalries. Admittedly, India has been doing so in case of former Soviet Union, now Russia and the United States. So, some countries including Maldives do the same between India and China.
Indians should be conscious of the geo-political dynamics that prompt regimes in countries to choose partners. New Delhi should focus on its tension and competition with China which are reflected in our relations with our neighbours and other countries in the region. Beijing, in the pursuit of its policy of ‘String of Pearls’, is penetrating into India’s neighbourhood. New Delhi has to counter it with all its force – diplomatic, economic and strategic. This is a strategic choice imposed on India which it cannot forswear.
On repairing the current rupture in India-Maldives relations, both countries have to reflect and react. As a bigger country, India could be more tolerant by being a bit thick-skinned. Outsized reactions as were seen in the social media should be avoided. Maldivians should realise that India has been their trusted ally and a provider of essential goods and services. New Delhi has helped Maldives on several crisis situations in addition to having multi-sectoral projects in the country. China may come with a bigger pot of money, but as other countries have realised, alliance with China is like a kiss of death. Beijing seduces countries with instant aid and draws them into a debt trap.
Geographically, Maldives is 700 kms from the Indian coast and over 6000 kms from China. New Delhi treats Maldives as an important part of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) Policy. A robust long-term relation with India will augur well for Maldives. Likewise, India would benefit from the strategic location of Maldives in the Indian Ocean. Beijing has been wooing Maldives for the same reason as 80 per cent of China’s oil passes through the maritime trade highway through Maldives.
To conclude, New Delhi should take urgent steps to repair the damage. The China angle in India’s neighbourhood is not new. The situation has been similar in Nepal. But the regime change has retrieved it for India. Maldives could be no exception. India’s foreign policy is more progressive than China’s. President Muizzu would have a change of mind or Maldives will have a change of regime. Indians should therefore react with caution and maturity.—INFA
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