Did Maldives President indirectly called India a bully in front of China?
The India-Maldives controversy was just about to fade away when the President of Maldives Mohamad Muizzu gave a controversial statement against India.
Maldives wants to China's Backing
The President of Maldives, Mohamad Muizzu was on an official state visit to China. He went on a state visit to China just after the controversy with India erupted and a diplomatic indifference took place. The president of Maldives was on a state visit to the Asian Giant China from 8th January to 12 January.
During the press briefing, the President of the island nation made indirect remarks against India by Saying that "we may be small but this doesn't give them the license to bully us."
India-Maldives soured relations
The diplomatic relations between the two countries soured when several ministers from the government of Maldives made derogatory comments on Prime Minister Modi for his visit to the Indian islands Lakshadweep on January 2-3. One of the ministers of Maldives called the Indian PM 'puppet and clown' and the other compared Maldives to Lakshwadeep saying that the latter can never match Maldives.
PM Modi in Lakshadweep
This ignited a diplomatic row between the two countries with the Indian side expressing strong disappointment over the issue. Maldives ended up suspending the three ministers who made derogatory comments about India and the Indian PM.
This did not stop there, Indian citizens took the matter personally and started boycotting the Maldives, canceled their trips to the island nation, and instead booked flights to Lakshadweep.
China opposed the interference of India
China on the other side is taking the stand of Maldives by saying that it: "firmly opposes external interference" in the internal affairs of Maldives supporting the sovereignty of Maldives. The Joint statement between the two countries read “China firmly supports the Maldives in upholding its national sovereignty, independence and national dignity, respects and supports the Maldives' exploration of a development path that suits its national conditions, and firmly opposes external interference in the internal affairs of the Maldives.”
Request to the Chinese President
The President of Maldives also requested the Chinese counterpart to increase the efforts to send more tourists to Maldives. Chinese tourists make up a large chunk of Tourists arriving in Maldives. He said "China was our (Maldives') number one market pre-Covid, and it is my request that we intensify efforts for China to regain this position"
The two countries also signed 20 agreements including those to intensify efforts to increase the number of tourists in Maldives and signing agreements relating to the Belt and Road Initiative. He said "Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 52 years ago, the two countries have always respected and supported each other.
Also Read-Indian Army launched “Operation Sarvashakti” for counter-terrorism in J&K
OTT India updates you with the latest news, Country’s no.1 digital news platform OTT India, Keeps you updated with national, and international news from all around the world. For more such updates, download the OTT India app on your Android and IOS device.
.