The People’s National Congress (PNC), led by President Muizzu, secured a decisive victory in the recent parliamentary elections in the Maldives, winning 66 out of the initial 86 declared seats. This victory has given Muizzu the political leverage to pursue his pro-China agenda, signaling a shift away from traditional ally India.
Although the parliamentary elections were not to elect the President, the outcome will play a crucial role in determining whether Muizzu can proceed with his plans for closer economic and defense cooperation with China. The PNC is currently leading in 59 out of the 93 seats in the upcoming parliament, providing them with a comfortable majority.
During the campaign, Muizzu’s administration awarded significant infrastructure contracts to Chinese state-owned companies, signaling a deepening relationship with Beijing. Additionally, he has initiated the process of sending home Indian troops, accusing his predecessor of granting India excessive influence in the Maldives.
The strained relations with India have had notable consequences, including a decrease in Indian tourists visiting the Maldives. The number of Indian visitors has dropped from being the top source of tourism to the sixth position. In efforts to counterbalance this decline, Muizzu visited China earlier this year to negotiate increased tourism and inbound flights from the country.
While acknowledging India’s financial support, Muizzu has expressed a strong desire to strengthen ties with China, emphasizing the importance of diversifying partnerships. Despite the tensions, India has taken a restrained approach, underplaying the strained relations and emphasizing the significance of maintaining good neighborly relations.
With Beijing closely monitoring the situation in the Maldives due to its Indian Ocean push and the strategic importance of Male, the evolving dynamics between the Maldives, India, and China are set to shape the region’s political landscape in the coming years.
“Travel aficionado. Incurable bacon specialist. Tv evangelist. Wannabe internet enthusiast. Typical creator.”