The world is witnessing yet another geopolitical war between India and China and this time it is to win over the Island country- Maldives. Ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the union territory Lakshwadeep Islands, the ruling ministers of Maldives have been spilling venom against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In fact, Mariyam Shiuna, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, recently made insulting remarks against PM Modi, referring to him as a 'clown' and a 'puppet of Israel' after he posted pictures from his visit to Lakshadweep Islands.
Not only this, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu will pay a state visit to China from Jan. 8 to 12. It is reported that Maldives President snubbed his visit to India and instead, he has opted to go to Beijing. Maldives leaning towards China is clear that Beijing's debt trap policy is working in their favor. As per reports, Maldives owes China about $1.3 billion as per International Monetary Fund (IMF) data. China is the Maldives' largest external creditor, accounting for about 20% of its total public debt.
Indian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during his address reacted to the shifting geopolitical developments saying, "It is for them to decide where they go and how they go about their international relations."
Coming back to Mariyam Shiuna, she was slammed by former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed. On his X handle, Mohamed Nasheed wrote, "What appalling language by Maldives Government official @shiuna_m
towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for Maldives’ security and prosperity. @MMuizzu
gov must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect gov policy."