India saved Maldives from China Five years ago; Now Muizzu is reviving Beijing tramp

World and Wars

During the term of the last Maldives President, Ibrahim Solih, the Indian administration of Narendra Modi extended a huge tranche of financial assistance to the Indian Ocean archipelago as it was struggling with a massive Chinese debt problem. Five years later, Solih has been replaced by Mohamed Muizzu, who appears intent on alienating Delhi, and appeasing Beijing, with no regard for his country's recent history. The ongoing controversy, sparked by racist comments against Indians and objectionable language for the Indian PM, is marring a relationship which is marked by many highs and few lows. So what comes next? Is Muizzu taking the Maldives in the direction of Sri Lanka and Pakistan - the other neighbours of India which trusted China and came to regret it?