The second weekend of June 2019 witnessed Prime Minister Modi concluding two nation visits to Maldives and Sri Lanka, marking the first overseas trip after his re-election. The visit is not surprising; in fact, it was anticipated given the backdrop and momentum of India’s Neighbourhood First policy. In 2014, PM Modi invited SAARC leaders to his oath taking ceremony and made his first overseas trip to Bhutan. While in 2019, he invited BIMSTEC leaders along with Mauritius political leadership to swearing-in ceremony and conducted inaugural overseas trip to Maldives and Sri Lanka. This visit completes the first cycle of India’s priority engagement with the neighbourhood.
In November 2018, PM Modi had made his first trip to Maldives on account of invitation extended by Ibrahim Mohamad Solih to attend his swearing-in ceremony. On the contrary, second visit is more of a voluntary initiative which demonstrates the will of the country to reach out to its strategic neighbours. While Maldives does not fall into the India’s immediate neighbourhood, but the recent visit definitely accords Maldives the status of ‘immediate neighbour’ of India. The visit is not only the consequence of the adopted policy but also is a part of urgency to balance the growing Chinese presence and influence in Maldives and the Indian Ocean region at large. This is evident from China building friendship bridges in Maldives and port such as Hambantota in Sri Lanka. Moreover, the previous government of Abdullah Yameen in Maldives was known to possess pro-China stance and during its tenure extracted financial assistance worth $4 Billion from Chinese. The balancing started with regime change in September 2018 with India also extending $1.4 Billion of developmental assistance to Maldives.
PM Modi’s second visit was more comprehensive and addressed a range of areas. The joint statement issued was more extensive on terrorism than before. PM Modi proposed for having a global conference on terrorism on a similar note to climate change. India also offered to restore the Friday Mosque. PM Modi also proposed to start a ferry service between Kochi and Kulhudhuffushi- an island state of Maldives. Furthermore, India offered to build a cricket stadium and develop culture of cricket in the state through professional coaching which was wittingly dubbed as the ‘cricket diplomacy’. Interestingly, PM Modi was also honoured with the order of the distinguished Rule of Izzudeen, highest honour of Maldives accredited to foreign dignitaries. Additionally, both the countries reiterated their assurances of remaining mindful and respectful of each other’s strategic concerns and not allowing their respective territories for the activities that prove to be detrimental to another’s interest.
That said, India has realized the importance of its South Asian neighbours and no longer takes for granted its traditional sphere of influence. It is worried watching its neighbours falling into the debt trap of China and is increasingly reaching out to them. Maldives can help India maintain its supremacy in the Indian Ocean region. However, this bait does not come uncontested. Hence, till the shadow of red dragon looms large the elephant will continue to dance.I
I think it’s a great approach by Modi, to not neglect the neighbouring countries.