S JAISHANKAR’S VISIT TO MALDIVES
S Jaishankar visited Maldives-a first by any Indian minister since the new government in India has come to power. Jaishankar met Muizzu and his counterpart- Moosa Zameer.
SIGNIFICANCE:
The visit is being described as a ‘game changing’ visit.
WHY IS IT GAME CHANGING?
Muizzu came to power on the plank of India-Out campaign. His pro China & anti India policies had impacted India-Maldives relations negatively in 2023. But things seem to have changed now.
THE INDIA OUT CAMPAIGN
The “India Out” campaign is a recent phenomenon that has emerged in Maldives. It is primarily a political tool used by opposition groups in these countries to criticize their respective governments for perceived over-reliance on India.
KEY POINTS ABOUT THE INDIA OUT CAMPAIGN:
- Goal: To undermine the relationship between India and the target country by creating anti-India sentiment.
- Tactics: Often involves accusations of Indian interference in domestic politics, economic exploitation, and security threats.
- Impact: Can lead to economic repercussions, such as boycotts of Indian products and a decline in tourism.
ACTIVITIES DONE
- As per the Indian PM’s initiative- ‘Ek ped Maa k Naam’ & President Muizzu’s initiative of planting 5 million trees, a sapling was planted in Lonuziyaraayi park in Male.
- Two MoU’s were signed:
- India to train 1000 Maldivian civil servants from 2024-2029.
- UPI to be introduced in Maldives.
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS INAUGURATED
- India funded project of water & sewerage network in 28 islands of Maldives. This was part of Urban development in Maldives.
- Addu detour link bridge project.
- Addu Reclamation & shore protection project.
- High impact Community Development Projects related with:
- Mental Health.
- Special Education
- Speech Therapy
- Street Lighting
Jaishankar also visited Indian funded Great Male connectivity project which connects Male with adjoining islands of Villingili, Gulhifalhu & Thilafushi.
