Balancing on the Tightrope: The Maldives’ Geopolitical Dilemma between India and China

The Maldives is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean that has become a focal point for geopolitical tensions between India and China. In recent years, both countries have vied for influence in the region, with the newly elected Maldivian government potentially leaning towards China rather than India.

The election of Mohamed Muizzu as president in 2018 marked a shift in Maldivian politics, with Muizzu running on an aggressive “India Out” platform. This raised concerns about potential alignment with China, as both Beijing and Delhi continue to compete for influence in the region amidst an ongoing border dispute.

In April 2019, Muizzu’s party secured victory in parliamentary elections, signaling a potential shift towards China. While some see this as a clear message to India and suggest a pivot towards China, others believe that the new government’s main focus is addressing financial challenges rather than ideology. With state coffers running low and a need for infrastructure development, seeking aid from China is seen as a pragmatic move to fulfill election promises.

Despite this, the Maldives remains committed to striking a balance between its relations with India and China. Both countries are important economically and strategically for the small island nation, which heavily relies on tourism. As such, the new government must navigate the delicate balance between these two superpowers to ensure stability and prosperity for the Maldives.