Mohamed Muizzu, the new president of the Maldives, has broken with tradition by traveling to Turkey for his first official visit. This has attracted attention since previous island leaders chose India as their first port of call, given the close relationship between the two countries. Mint solves the problem.
What is the situation?
Mohamed Muizzu, who took over as president of the Maldives earlier this month, chose to visit Turkey for his official visit. Newly elected Maldivian leaders have typically chosen to visit India first, as the country has long been the island's preferred security and trade partner. However, Muizzu has made it a point to present a more balanced position on foreign policy.
He recently asked India to withdraw its military personnel to the Maldives, and the latest development is seen as a new push to recruit new partners and diversify the country's diplomatic ties.
What is Turkey's relationship with the Maldives?
Experts point out that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been trying to raise his country's profile in South Asia, especially in Bangladesh and Afghanistan. He has also intervened in issues of crucial importance to India, such as Kashmir. As Erdogan pursues a pan-Islamic foreign policy, it is strategically important to invite the Maldivian president to Turkey. During Muizzu's visit, the two sides discussed cooperation in trade and defense.
What does this mean for India?
The development is yet another reminder of how much India's strategic backyard has changed. While countries like the Maldives were once seen as firmly in India's sphere of influence, things have since become more complicated. The increased presence of the United States and China in the Indian Ocean has made it clear that India's neighbors are highly sought after as geopolitical allies. India's approach to these countries will have to change accordingly. Turkey's overtures show that even midsize powers half a world away can woo important Indian partners.
How will India respond?
New Delhi has made it clear that it prefers a strong involvement in the Maldives. The country is strategically located in the Indian Ocean and India will not want to jeopardize its position as a leading partner. Faced with increasing pressure from China, India has responded by, among other things, financing major connectivity projects. In short, India has focused on increasing its attractiveness as a partner.
However, it is not above showing displeasure. When Muizzu invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his inauguration, he sent a minister instead, which was seen as a diplomatic snub.