India seeks balance after imbalance.

Firstly, Maldives proactively announced this intention while India neither confirmed nor denied it, and the specific timing was unclear. This creates the impression that Maldives intentionally prepared public opinion or gauged public sentiment regarding a potential adjustment to its policy towards India.

For many years, the Maldives has had a very close and reliable relationship with India. A small Indian military force is even permanently stationed on the island nation. There is intense competition between India and China for influence over the Maldives. China needs the Maldives for the success of its Belt and Road Initiative and for access to the Indian Ocean. India needs the Maldives to gain a favorable political, security, and foreign policy environment in South Asia and the Indian Ocean.

Last year, Muizzu won the election with the campaign slogan "India Out," meaning distancing himself from India and drawing closer to China. Since taking power in the Maldives, he has implemented numerous policy measures with a clear implication of aligning the island with China. Relations with India have cooled considerably. Muizzu prioritizes his distant partner, China, over his closer neighbor, India, even though New Delhi remains committed to a policy of promoting cooperation with the Maldives.

Therefore, the visit of the new Maldivian president, Muizzu, to India would be a very important policy adjustment for him. Perhaps Muizzu is seeking a balance after what appears to be a more realistic view of India and lower expectations of China, and is aware that distant partners should only complement, not replace, close neighbors.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/maldives-an-do-tim-can-bang-sau-thien-lech-185240920221500774.htm