Tag: Maldives

  • Why Is South Asia So Involved in the Israel-Palestine Conflict?

    Why Is South Asia So Involved in the Israel-Palestine Conflict?

    There are countless problems to be fixed in the poor South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Nepal. Even though they have different positions and perspectives, they all struggle with poor living conditions, lack of employment, corruption, political dynasties, and more. While these issues dominate the daily lives of their populations, they are increasingly focused on a different concern: the Israel-Palestine conflict, which they seem to adopt as their own. In India, society is divided between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine supporters, and it has become a heated topic in Pakistan, where pro-Israel sentiment is almost unthinkable, but people have taken to the streets in support of Palestine. On September 29, pro-Hezbollah protesters clashed with police in the streets of Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, after demonstrators attempted to reach the U.S. Consulate. The police fired tear gas as protesters threw stones and attempted to breach barriers. A similar wave of unrest is also rising in Bangladesh. Why? Why are these countries so deeply involved in this conflict?

    The answer is clear and specific: religion. South Asia is deeply intertwined with religion. Both the population and administration are heavily influenced by religious beliefs. The region, which is the birthplace of prominent religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, is also home to around 600 million Muslims. Clashes between followers of Indian religions and Islam, as well as intra-Islamic conflicts, are common in these countries. Since Palestine is an emotional issue for Muslims globally, it has always featured prominently in South Asian society and politics. The Islamic countries in the region—Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives – harbor strong animosity toward Israel. Every incident in Gaza and the West Bank brings people to the streets, sparking anti-Israel protests. Calls for tougher actions by their governments against Israel, as well as protests against Western embassies and consulates, are common in these nations. Fundamentalist and terrorist groups unite in their anti-Israel stance, advocating for the boycott of Israeli products. Politicians in these countries are often reluctant to engage with Israeli officials because, regardless of their achievements, they risk being labeled as anti-religious or anti-national. The ongoing events in Gaza and Lebanon have further fueled hatred towards Israel among the population. Many Pakistanis believe that, as a nuclear power, Pakistan could do more to support groups fighting the holy war against Israel by supplying weapons, and they are willing to join the fight. A similar sentiment prevails in Bangladesh. Many believe that if the current conflict escalates into regional wars, people from Pakistan and Bangladesh, who are largely poor, unemployed, but deeply religious, could be recruited by these groups.

    In India, the situation is more complex. The socialist, communist, and Islamist parties, which rely on the votes of the more than 15 million-strong Muslim population, have consistently raised the Israel-Palestine issue in the public sphere. The Indian National Congress (INC), the grand old socialist party that led the government for most of independent India’s history, supported the two-state solution, recognizing both Israel and Palestine. However, the party and its government gave a clear preference to Palestine and its leaders, who were often celebrated as revolutionaries, with the Indian media also contributing to India’s pro-Palestine stance.

    However, when Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a Hindu nationalist party, came to power in 2014, the situation changed dramatically. While the government did not abandon the two-state solution, it shifted away from its pro-Palestine stance and gave more support to Israel. Modi, who developed a personal friendship with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, strengthened the relationship on a national level as well. Consequently, the Indian government became more aggressive in countering pro-Palestine narratives, promoting India’s historical ties with Jews, and pushing a more pro-Israel perspective.

    Cities in India that once saw massive rallies in solidarity with Palestine now witness almost no demonstrations for the cause. As the public became more educated about the Israel-Palestine conflict from its roots, many began to see Palestine as primarily an Islamist issue. As a result, Islamist organizations in India no longer receive the widespread public support they once did, causing significant disappointment among the country’s Muslim population

    This evolving landscape of distrust and fundamentalism has become another major concern in the region. South Asia has no direct connection to the Israel-Palestine conflict beyond religious ties, but it is now causing further divisions within societies, most visibly in India. India’s shifting stance towards Israel has generated significant discontent among its Islamic neighbors, causing their hatred for Israel to also evolve into hostility towards India. This is clearly evident in social media spaces, where Indian groups and those from neighboring Islamic countries are often in conflict. As always, this deepens the divisions within societies that are already fractured by religious views. Therefore, we can say that, aside from Israel and its immediate neighbors, South Asia is also heating up under the mounting tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

  • Is the Maldives Swimming Back to India?

    Is the Maldives Swimming Back to India?

    Tiny islands, with limited resources and facing significant climate threats, cannot survive without the support of the mainland. The Maldives has come to realize this now. When tourism revenue was flowing, and China appeared strong, they believed they no longer needed India. However, they forgot that India is their best option for survival. Now, they are working to improve and rebuild their lost relationship with India. Before Malé transformed into a striking concrete block in the sea, Indian cities, especially Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, served as their gateway to the world. While various interest groups, including Sri Lanka, sought to destabilize the islands through terrorist attacks, India provided security, allowing them to live peacefully. Today, they are once again seeking India’s support, much like a child who, after straying away with wealthy friends, ultimately realizes where true safety lies and returns to their family. 

    Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who rose to power last year on an “India Out” and pro-Islamic platform, and surrounded himself with politicians known for anti-India rhetoric, is now preparing for a diplomatic trip to New Delhi, according to his aides. This marks a significant shift for Muizzu, who had previously avoided the traditional ceremonial first overseas visit to New Delhi and, in April, ordered the withdrawal of a small Indian military contingent that had been operating reconnaissance aircraft provided by India. By May, the Maldives had signed a defense agreement with China. Additionally, the Maldives chose not to renew a 2019 hydrographic survey agreement with India and withdrew from several other cooperative agreements. Earlier this year, Maldivian deputy ministers were caught making derogatory remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his efforts to boost tourism in Lakshadweep, a neighboring Indian archipelago.

    While the Indian government remained silent, the backlash from Indian citizens was swift. Calls to boycott the Maldives spread, threatening the country’s tourism-dependent economy, which heavily relies on Indian visitors. Despite this, Muizzu stood firm, accusing critics of trying to “Bully” the Maldives. However, without Indian tourists, the Maldives faces a potential economic crisis.

    President Muizzu’s planned visit to New Delhi could indicate a significant shift and a desire to repair relations. While it’s premature to label this a complete policy reversal, it certainly represents a positive step for India-Maldives ties. The recent resignation of two junior ministers who ridiculed Prime Minister Modi suggests that Muizzu is eager to foster a healthy relationship with New Delhi. However, this effort is unlikely to come at the expense of his pro-China stance. The Maldives cannot afford to deteriorate its relationship with China, especially given its substantial debt to the country, which is not easily repayable.

    The Maldives urgently requires international support as it grapples with rising debt, declining revenue, and dwindling foreign reserves. Running a budget deficit, the island nation has been seeking external assistance and grants. Many worry that without a viable growth strategy, the Maldives could follow in the footsteps of Sri Lanka, which experienced a severe economic collapse two years ago. Last week, credit rating agency Moody’s downgraded the Maldives, indicating that default risks have markedly increased due to persistently low foreign exchange reserves. The agency also pointed out that the prospects for a rapid recovery look bleak.

    For India, having a Chinese puppet on their maritime shore is unacceptable, so they are prepared to negotiate. Even before the announcement of the upcoming visit, both Malé and New Delhi signaled a desire to improve ties. Last month, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar visited Malé, marking the first high-level visit since Muizzu was elected. Jaishankar’s visit was followed by consultations between the two countries on joint defense projects and security in the Indian Ocean this month. Muizzu’s upcoming visit signals a softening of his anti-India stance. Many political experts believe this is part of a broader effort to improve China-India relations and reduce China’s influence in the Indian Ocean as China focuses more on the South China Sea. Nonetheless, this represents a positive move from the Maldives.

  • What Caused So Much Anti-India Sentiment in the Indian Subcontinent?

    What Caused So Much Anti-India Sentiment in the Indian Subcontinent?

    Bollywood and Indian policymakers dominated the Indian subcontinent until the last decade. The Indian subcontinent, including Islamic countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan, maintained a good relationship with India. Countries like the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan acted more like India’s satellites. They developed and evolved using India as a model, and India was generous to its neighbors, offering assistance in areas from education, health, to the satellite services. This collaboration led to the formation of SAARC, which was one of the most effective regional bodies.

    The people of these countries shared a strong cultural bond, enjoying the same movies, music, and cricket and admiring stars from each other’s nations. Despite nationalism, there was a sense of fondness and unity. However, in 2024, the scenario has changed dramatically. The union and sentiments that once bound them together are no longer present. Politicians, people, and even artists are expressing hostility toward each other, with social media filled with hate comments. Anti-India factions are ruling in Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Maldives, and have gained strength in Sri Lanka and Nepal. Recently, a violent riot in Bangladesh toppled an India-supported government, revealing a clear rise in anti-India sentiment. Now, it seems only Bhutan remains allied with India in the subcontinent. What caused such a split between these countries that once seemed as close as in a Bollywood drama?

    India, as the largest secular democratic republic, was a role model for its fellow South Asian states. Even when they had disputes with India, they admired it. While some Islamist countries and the United States, which was opposed to Russia, propagated against India, people in these countries were fond of India, its secularism, and its culture. Indian Bollywood movies facilitated this cultural exchange significantly. Bollywood films, with their family values and cultural closeness, attracted large audiences in these countries, creating hardcore fans who cherished Bombay dreams. Bollywood produced content that appealed to these audiences and included more artists from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and other countries, resulting in significant box office collections for Bollywood movies in these regions. At one point, despite border tensions, Pakistan was one of the largest contributors to Bollywood’s box office revenue.

    Cricket was also a unifying factor, as India provided facilities to promote the sport in these countries. Indian cricket and hockey stars were admired across the region. A similar cultural exchange occurred in reverse, with Pakistani musicians and Sri Lankan cricketers becoming big stars in India. Together, they formed a friendly alliance. The wars at the borders and foreign interests did not disturb this friendly environment.

    But things began to change over the last decade, specifically after Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), came to power in 2014. The rise of the Hindu nationalist party caused widespread concern in Islamic countries, leading them to question India’s secular image among their own people. Comments from BJP leaders were widely circulated, giving more spotlight to Islamic factions in countries like Pakistan, the Maldives, and Bangladesh. The public in these countries slowly began to fall out of love with India. Economic downturns in these countries were also redirected into India-hatred by local politicians, who blamed India for various problems. Jealousy played a role as well; in the past, everyone seemed to grow together, but now only India was progressing, leading to the perception that India didn’t care about them and was taking away their opportunities and overshadowing them on the global stage.

    The decline of Bollywood also contributed to this cultural divide. As Bollywood started producing more propaganda-based movies instead of the traditional romantic dramas, the films lost their connection with markets in Pakistan and other regions. Meanwhile, the youth, especially Gen Z, began exploring Hollywood and Korean movies instead of Indian content, further weakening cultural ties.

    But political analysts point to another important factor: the influence of social media on a predominantly young population. As social media spaces are heavily utilized by propagandists, minor incidents in distant places, which mainstream media usually neglect, have started to be highlighted and shape the national mood. This has further strained the already deteriorating connections between people and policymakers. Additionally, outsiders with vested interests have begun to exploit the situation. The United States and the United Kingdom have been culturally disseminating anti-India narratives in the surrounding countries, while Saudi Arabia and Qatar are advancing Islamic interests. Meanwhile, China has heavily invested in the region through infrastructure projects that small-income countries cannot afford to repay, pulling them out of India’s sphere of influence. Anti-Indian groups in these nations are taking advantage of this situation by fostering a new and distinct identity that previously did not exist.

    As a result, India is becoming increasingly isolated in the region, posing significant economic and military risks. With satellite countries bound by Chinese debts, they cannot refuse the influx of Chinese products, causing substantial losses for Indian businesses. Furthermore, infrastructure projects in strategic locations around India provide a military advantage for China. It appears that China is now the dominant player in the region with its partners, putting India in a difficult position.

  • Maldives to Worsen Relations with Israel

    Maldives to Worsen Relations with Israel

    Maldives, an Islamic Republic archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, sustains its economy with tourism. The country, which boasts a comparatively higher living standards in South Asia and attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world, is making headlines with its strong reactions against Israel’s Gaza attack. Unlike government-level actions in the past, the Maldives has now decided to close its doors to Israeli citizens by implementing passport controls. Such action from the ruling Muizzu government, as a result of increased protests against Israel and as part of global Muslim solidarity, may worsen the country’s relationship with the West and thereby affect its economy.

    President Mohamed Muizzu has decided to impose a ban on Israeli passports without providing details on when the new law will take effect. Israelis love to visit the coral islands and luxurious resorts of the Maldives, but the Maldivian government does not share this interest. The offering of direct flights was denied by the Maldivian Transport Ministry. However, nearly 11,000 Israelis visited the Maldives in 2023. Official data showed that the number of Israelis visiting the Maldives dropped to 528 in the first four months of this year amid the tensions, down 88% compared to the same period last year.

    As a country with Islamic fundamentalism, the Maldives has always sought to uphold its Islamic character. Although they welcomed tourists from Western countries and India in large numbers due to a lack of other sources of income. And tourism has significantly improved the country’s income and quality of life. However, in recent years, both inside and outside parliament, there have been numerous events emphasizing its Islamic importance, which could impact the tourism sector. Hatred towards Israeli tourists and Jews is prevalent in the government and society, which advocates for Palestine. Last year, Maldivians held protests to stop Israeli tourism in the Maldives, showing solidarity with Palestinians. Maldivian MP Saud Hussain submitted a resolution to parliament to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the country, and Maldivians increasingly called for a boycott of Israel-linked companies. Opposition parties and government allies in the Maldives have been pressuring Muizzu to ban Israelis as a protest against the Gaza war. Following these events, in 2024, Maldivian MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem submitted a bill to parliament calling for a ban on entry for Israeli passport holders, which was promptly accepted, and the country has started implementing that law. The president’s office announced on Sunday that the cabinet decided to change the laws to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the country and to establish a subcommittee to oversee the process. Muizzu also introduced a national fundraising campaign named ‘Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine’.

    The Maldives has a complex relationship with Israel. The Maldives had lifted a previous ban on Israeli tourists in the early 1990s and moved to restore relations in the 2010s. According to the rulers of the country, this decision will change. The countries had good diplomatic relations from 1965 to 1974. From 2012 to 2017, they maintained cooperation agreements but did not restore full diplomatic relations. There were reports during the time of Mohammed Nasheed, who overthrew long-ruling Gayoom, that there were attempts at normalization. However, normalization attempts were scuttled after the toppling of then-president Mohamed Nasheed in February 2012. While Gulf countries normalized relationships, there were also talks, but the ruling politicians denied it. The Maldives maintains its stance in international venues too. The Maldives condemned the Israeli attacks on Rafah and called on Israel to abide by the International Court of Justice’s ruling.

    Israel’s foreign ministry urged Israeli citizens on Sunday to refrain from traveling to the Maldives. The ministry clarified that this advisory extended to Israelis with dual citizenship. “For Israeli citizens already in the country, it is recommended to consider leaving, because if they find themselves in distress for any reason, it will be difficult for us to assist”, the ministry said in a statement. And if Israel raises safety concerns, it will influence other western countries. 

    The travel ban to the islands will not matter much for Israel but is a self-destructive move for the Maldives. The country’s erratic politicians have already deterred Indian tourists by making silly comments about the nation, including racist remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The immature political decisions have worsened tourist’s interest in the country, even though the country aims to attract more Chinese and Islamic tourists. Recent actions, such as the ban on Israelis, will undoubtedly damage the country’s reputation among the western population. Ultimately it’s all affecting the already strained economy, burdened by Chinese debt. It appears that politicians excel at triggering self-destructive outcomes.

  • Pro-China Party Emerges Victorious In Maldives Parliament Election

    Pro-China Party Emerges Victorious In Maldives Parliament Election

    The Maldives is drifting away from India. Following the Maldives parliamentary election held on April 21st, the pro-China party, People’s National Congress (PNC), emerged victorious. President Muizzu’s PNC’s win garnered significant attention due to its strong ties with China, which coincide with its expressed hostility towards India. The People’s National Congress (PNC) secured 66 out of the first 86 seats declared by the Elections Commission of Maldives, exceeding the threshold for a super-majority in the 93-member parliament. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which had aimed to obstruct efforts to reshape Maldivian diplomacy, faced a substantial setback after its previous landslide victory in the 2019 elections. The outcome was seen as a validation of Muizzu’s push for strengthened collaboration with China.

    Maldives, an archipelago nation made up of approximately 1,192 small coral islands spanning 800 kilometers near the equator, stands as one of the nations most susceptible to rising sea levels due to global warming. Despite its vulnerability, this premier luxury destination finds itself at the center of significant geopolitical tensions. China’s extensive investment in various infrastructure projects such as land reclamation, apartment complexes, and bridges has led to a notable shift in the country’s allegiance towards China. Although the Maldives lacks historical ties to China, the populace has increasingly embraced Chinese influence due to the economic and emotional advantages derived from these investments. China’s strategic move in the Indian Ocean, along with its significant financing of infrastructure initiatives in countries surrounding India, is being viewed as a potential strategy to ensnare smaller states in debt and exert influence as proxies for China. India is concerned that China may exploit the strategic positioning of the Maldives, Which is close to Indian shores. Historically, the Maldives enjoyed a close relationship with India, benefiting from historical ties and Indian assistance in safeguarding its sovereignty, including thwarting an invasion attempt by Sri Lanka. However, under President Muizzu’s tenure, there has been a notable shift away from India, evidenced by politicians, including members of the government, openly ridiculing Indian Prime Minister Modi and India. Tensions heightened when the Maldives chose to remove Indian military personnel deployed under an agreement. And also President Muizzu refrained from ceremonial visits to India, instead favoring engagements with Turkey and China. These events sparked campaigns against the Maldives in India, leading to a notable economic downturn for Maldives.

    In the midst of heightened geopolitical tensions, the resounding victory of Muizzu’s party reflects the prevailing sentiment within the state. Muizzu himself emerged triumphant in last September’s presidential election, representing the interests of the pro-China former president Abdulla Yameen, who was recently released following the overturning of his 11-year corruption conviction by the court. Before this parliamentary election, Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC) and its allies held only eight seats in parliament, limiting Muizzu’s capacity to implement his agenda post his presidential victory. However, as campaigning for the parliamentary elections intensified this month, Muizzu strategically awarded significant infrastructure contracts to Chinese state-owned enterprises. Meanwhile, the principal opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which had previously held a super-majority, suffered a humiliating defeat, securing just a dozen seats. Additionally, independents secured 11 seats in the parliament.

    Despite the concerns raised by ecologists and climate activists about the future of the island nation, which stands among the first countries significantly affected by climate change, it seems that both the populace and politicians are not prioritizing it as they should. This sentiment is reflected in the election results, with Muizzu, the former construction minister, planning to pursue further apartment construction, land reclamation, and other large-scale projects that strain the capacity of the fragile coral islands. The political landscape is heavily influenced by Islamism, with foreign affairs failing to adequately address the realities of climate change. However, this victory is a green flag for Muizzu and China.

  • Maldives Deepens Strategic Relationship with China, Evidencing a Shift from India

    Maldives Deepens Strategic Relationship with China, Evidencing a Shift from India

    China and the Maldives have solidified a robust military partnership. On Tuesday, Maldivian officials publicly expressed their desire for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the archipelago while simultaneously finalizing a “military assistance” pact with China. The agreement, characterized as China’s provision of cost-free military aid to the Republic of Maldives, was formally endorsed by the Maldivian Minister of Defense and a senior Chinese military official, aiming to enhance bilateral ties. As per a statement from the Ministry of Defense on X, formerly Twitter, the Maldivian Defense Ministry underscored the agreement’s significance in fostering “stronger bilateral ties,” specifying that the military aid is offered without charge, although specific details were not disclosed.

    Since assuming office in November, President Muizzu has actively sought to strengthen his ties with China. This shift in policy aligns with his “India Out” platform from the election campaign, aimed at reclaiming what is perceived as “lost” sovereignty. President Muizzu underscored Maldives’ Islamic identity over its Indian identity by opting for a ceremonial trip to Turkey, eschewing the traditional visit to India after taking the oath. Subsequently, he solidified his political ties with China. In line with his electoral commitments, Muizzu set a deadline of March 15 for the complete withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives. Negotiations resulted in a phased pullout, with the initial forces departing before March 10 and the remaining troops scheduled to leave by May 10.

    President Muizzu’s triumphant state visit to Beijing in January resulted in the signing of twenty agreements encompassing infrastructure, trade, economy, green development, grants, and various initiatives. Notably, around $127 million has been allocated for the construction of 30,000 social housing units and the enhancement of Male’s road infrastructure. These commitments underscore the president’s unwavering commitment to fostering a robust alliance with China across multiple critical domains.

    During the visit, Muizzu underscored China’s position as one of the Maldives’ closest allies and key developmental partners. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, affirmed Beijing’s dedication to establishing a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with the Maldives. Mao emphasized that their collaboration is not directed at any third party and remains impervious to external influences.

    Following the visit to China, President Muizzu, in a presidential address on February 5, underscored the critical need for the Maldives to bolster its military capabilities. He revealed that the defense force was on the verge of attaining round-the-clock surveillance capabilities over the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone, covering an extensive 900,000 square kilometers. Additionally, the government decided against renewing an agreement that permitted foreign countries to measure and map the oceans and coasts of the Maldives.

    India has expressed serious concerns over these recent developments, with the Maldives facing accusations of betrayal in the Indian media. Historically considered a traditional ally of India, the small archipelago in the Indian Ocean, situated close to the Indian mainland, has been heavily dependent on India for support, particularly in terms of military aid, since gaining independence. The alliance’s significance was underscored in 1980 when Indian military forces were dispatched to the Maldives to prevent Sri Lankan rebels from taking control of the islands, solidifying India’s influence in the region.

    However, as the Maldives’ economy underwent expansion and tourism exploration, the nation’s focus pivoted towards China. China emerged as a prominent player, seeking to assert itself in the Indian Ocean and challenge India’s regional dominance. This shift proved highly advantageous for the Maldives, fueled by China’s substantial investments in the region, notably through projects like the $200 million China-Maldives Friendship Bridge and various other initiatives under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

    The completion of this transition was marked by the victory of the president and the party backed by China in the recent Maldivian election, resulting in the ousting of established political parties. The Maldives’ altered geopolitical objectives solidified by the invitation extended to the Chinese Military and the  removal of the Indian military from the islands.

    Presently, there are 77 Indian soldiers and 12 medical personnel from the Indian armed forces stationed in the Maldives. India has provided two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft, primarily employed for marine surveillance, search and rescue operations, and medical evacuations. In light of safety concerns, India has initiated the withdrawal of its military presence, acknowledging the associated risks.

    With the Maldives heavily indebted to China, their reliance on the country is substantial, encompassing the use of airports, ports, and territories. Any escalation of tensions between India and China could position the Maldives as a focal point. Male is in close proximity to the critical Kochi naval base and Thiruvananthapuram, a significant city in India. The Thiruvananthapuram airport is merely a few kilometers from the Maldives. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and all neighboring nations are aligned with China, heightening the risk for India.

    In response, the Indian government has initiated projects to fortify Lakshadweep, an archipelago near the Maldives and a geographical extension of the island chain. Major Indian billionaires are planning substantial investments in Lakshadweep. Moreover, Minicoy Island, the closest to the Maldives, is preparing to establish a naval base, airstrips, and cantonments. India is also strengthening ties with Mauritius, located to the southern side of the Maldives. Given these circumstances, India is not anticipating a reversal from the Maldives and is preparing for potential new threats.

    Despite its image as a well-liked vacation spot for visitors from the US, Europe, the Middle East, and China, the Maldives lost its largest market, Which is India.  Boycott calls and anti-Maldives protests spiked in India, causing a large loss for Male.  Tourism is the backbone of Maldives. And the loss will hit the economy hard. The Maldives government is striving to fill the void left by the Indian market by attracting tourists from China and the Middle East. But India is creating competition in the tourism sector of the region by promoting travels to Mauritius, Seychelles and its own archipelago, Lakshadweep. The heightened competition presents a significant challenge to the Maldives, and it is evident that the country will play a substantial role in any potential tensions between India and China.