Indian FM visits Maldives; ‘China-Maldives cooperation not exclusive, doesn’t affect India’

After Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar assured that ties with the Maldives are a priority during his meeting with top Maldivian officials on Saturday, some Indian media said Jaishankar's visit has China in mind. Chinese experts said on Sunday that China does not seek exclusive engagement or cooperation from Maldives, while India perceives China as a threat to its supremacy in the region.

According to the Press Trust of India (PTI), Jaishankar on Saturday met Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and other top leaders in the first high-level trip from New Delhi after Muizzu assumed office in November last year. Indian media outlets also mentioned China's "growing military ties" with the Maldives as part of their coverage on the relationship between India and the Maldives.

Some Western media claimed that the Maldives, which is strategically located in the Indian Ocean, is caught in competition between India and China.

Long Xingchun, a professor from the School of International Relations at Sichuan International Studies University, told the Global Times on Sunday that China views its relations with countries in the Indian Ocean, including the Maldives, as normal relations. However, India perceives China as a competitor that would challenge its supremacy in the region, which is India's self-perception.

Sovereign countries have the right to establish normal relations with any other country, as seen in China's relationships with Nepal and the Maldives. China does not seek exclusive engagement or cooperation from the Maldives, Long said.

Long added that China also supports the Maldives in fostering friendly cooperation with India, and China does not impose the need for small South Asian countries to align with a particular side, as China views such demands demonstrate a lack of respect for the sovereignty of these countries.

The relationship between India and the Maldives has been under severe strain since Muizzu took charge and demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel manning three aviation platforms gifted by India to the Maldives, PTI said.

Long noted that India may feel somewhat embarrassed about withdrawing its military personnel, particularly given the close relationship between the Maldives and China.

However, due to the strong ties between India and the Maldives, including the fact that a significant number of tourists in Maldives are from India, India is seeking to repair this relationship, Long added. Continuing to isolate the Maldives could potentially push the current government further toward China, which would not be beneficial for India.