Maldives has extended the proverbial olive branch to India, with President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom publicly acknowledging for the first time that India’s support to his country played a crucial role in helping the island-nation retain its independence over the past 50 years.
Avas , a Male-based newspaper, quoted Mr. Yameen as saying: "As everyone will be aware, India provides assistance even for our basic needs. [India] provided crucial and speedy assistance during the most sensitive situation, 1988 [terrorist] attack. If they had not come to our rescue, we would have lost independence during the past 50 years."
He was speaking at a public function this past week.
Non-interference pays off
India's policy of non-interference seems to have paid off as Mr. Yameen has gone to the extent of saying that "Indo-Maldives is an unbreakable bond" and though the "GMR issue caused a rift between the company and the Maldives government, it did not cause any friction between both governments."
He was also quoted as saying that Maldives was ready to welcome Indian businesses. Relations between India and Maldives came under a strain after Male had terminated the agreement it entered into with GMR in 2010 for the modernisation of the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport.
Dispelling concerns?
Mr. Yameen's statement is also being perceived as a move by Male to dispel Indian concerns about Maldives' growing proximity to China and to send India the message that it respects New Delhi’s quiet diplomacy.
The recalibration of ties in the light of his remarks could pave the way for a high-level visit from India even though South Block is non-committal about a visit anytime soon.
Towards thawing ties
In February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled his visit to Maldives but efforts have been under way on both sides to thaw their relations.
In August, Maldivian Foreign Secretary Ali Naseer Mohamed landed in New Delhi with the assurance that Male wants to keep the Indian Ocean a demilitarised zone and also allayed India's fears that the new Maldivian policy to permit foreigners to own land in the archipelago will allow China to expand its footprint in the Indian Ocean region. From the Indian side, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar visited Male as part of his 'SAARC Yatra.' These visits were perceived as an indication of the two governments moving towards more amicable ties.
India treads cautiously
New Delhi has been cautious in reacting to the developments unfolding in the Maldives, with the arrest of the former President Nasheed.
In spite of pressure from human rights organisations, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and even two U.S. senators to push for the release of Mr. Nasheed, New Delhi chose to restrict its response to urging the Maldivian government to ensure that the “space for legitimate political dissent must be safeguarded.”
