The India-Maldives uproar does not seem to stop even after the suspension of three Maldives Ministers who passed derogatory remarks against PM Modi and made racist comments about Indians. Despite the fact India was the top contributor in terms of tourists and is the main source of income of the Island country, Maldives ministers started using hateful remarks against PM Modi after he visited Lakshadweep Island and urged people around the world to visit India's Union Territory. While the government of Maldives has distanced itself from the Maldives ministers and suspended them, it is a fact that the country's current President Dr Mohamed Muizzu came to power over his 'India Out' agenda and anti-India campaigns.
Now, Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's election campaign video is going viral on social media in which his party showcased Prime Minister Narendra Modi walking on the streets in a derogatory manner. In the viral video, Muizzu's party showcased India's Prime Minister wrapped in white clothes and people wearing PM Modi's mask and walking on the streets.
For the unversed, Muizzu came to power in the Maldives with an agenda of 'India out'. India has 70 troops deployed in Maldives for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and training purposes. Not only this, Muizzu's leaning towards China is evident because he will start his official visit to Beijing from January 8. Beijing is the biggest debt giver to the Maldives. Hence, it can be said that China's debt trap policy has entangled the Maldives which is important in terms of its geopolitical location.
New Delhi has traditionally maintained cordial relations with the Maldives, offering administrative and infrastructure support. However, some Maldivian politicians have expressed discomfort with India's presence in the archipelago. The Maldives has a history of oscillating between alliances with India and China.
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