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In a significant political development, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu-led People’s National Congress (PNC) has won a decisive majority in the country’s parliamentary elections, securing 71 out of 93 seats.

This victory not only solidifies Muizzu’s power within the Maldives but also marks a pivotal shift in regional dynamics, particularly affecting India.

POLITICAL CONTEXT AND ELECTION RESULTS

President Muizzu, whose stance has been notably pro-China, leveraged nationalist rhetoric and an “India out” campaign to garner substantial support, contrasting with the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) pro-India orientation.

The MDP, which previously held a dominant position in the parliament, suffered a severe defeat, securing only 12 seats.

This shift is critical as it reflects a broader disillusionment among voters towards the MDP’s policies, including perceived over-alignments with India.

IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA

Muizzu’s victory and the overwhelming majority his party now holds in the parliament could potentially strain the Maldives-India relations further. Historically, India has maintained a significant influence in Maldivian politics, viewing the island nation as a key player in its strategic maritime neighbourhood.

However, Muizzu’s administration has increasingly tilted towards China, evident from policies and diplomatic engagements that favour Beijing.

This pro-China stance includes significant infrastructure contracts awarded to Chinese firms and policy shifts reducing the Indian military presence on the islands.

Such moves have not only strengthened the Sino-Maldivian ties but also signalled a potential realignment in the Maldives’ foreign policy, which could be seen as a drift away from India.

STRATEGIC AND ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS

For India, the stability and orientation of Maldivian politics are crucial due to the archipelago’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean, serving as a maritime chokepoint that influences major sea routes.

The increasing Chinese influence in the Maldives is viewed by New Delhi as a challenge to its regional dominance and a threat to its maritime security.

Economically, the Maldives has been a significant beneficiary of Indian aid and investment, which has fostered not only economic growth but also socio-political ties between the two nations.

The current political realignment could affect these economic ties, especially if Muizzu’s government continues to prioritise Chinese investments over Indian contributions.

INDIA, CHINA AND THE MALDIVES

While President Muizzu recently made overtures acknowledging India’s role and contribution to Maldivian development, the fundamental geopolitical and strategic preferences seem to tilt towards Beijing.

This balancing act between acknowledging historical and economic ties with India while pursuing closer strategic ties with China will be crucial in defining the future of Maldives-India relations.

India, on its part, may need to recalibrate its approach towards the Maldives, balancing its strategic interests with the need to engage with Muizzu’s government constructively.

Continuing dialogue and perhaps redefining the terms of engagement could help manage the complexities of this relationship.

As the Maldives navigates its internal political landscape and its external diplomatic engagements, the results of this election will likely have a lasting impact on the regional power dynamics in the Indian Ocean, signalling a possible shift in the geopolitical allegiances of this strategically located nation.