Prominent Maldives newspaper under fire after anti-India editorial
What's the story
A newspaper in Maldives has raked up a political storm after publishing an anti-India editorial. Among other things, the piece published in the local Dhivehi language termed India as Maldives' biggest enemy and Indian PM Narendra Modi an anti-Muslim extremist. The newspaper is purportedly the mouthpiece of Maldives' pro-China President Abdullah Yameen. The country's opposition has unanimously protested against the "outrageous" anti-India article.
Background
India's relations with the Maldives
The Indian Army's "Operation Cactus" foiled a coup in Maldives that was attempted by a rebel group in 1988. India maintains a naval presence in Maldives, at the latter's request, since 2009. An Indian Dornier was the first aircraft to land in Maldives with relief and supplies after the devastating 2004 tsunami. Maldives has also supported India for permanent membership in the UNSC.
Troubled Times?
2013 presidential elections: India-Maldives relations run into trouble
India had assisted Maldives' presidential election process by sending its observers to the country in 2013. However, India withdrew its observers after it emerged that Abdulla Yameen had unfairly won the elections and forced the country's first democratically elected leader President Nasheed to step down. Yameen subsequently consolidated his power, removed judiciary members, and imprisoned Nasheed citing "national security" concerns.
China Factor
Meanwhile, is Maldives growing closer to China?
The Yameen Government launched a "liberalized leasing scheme" under which it leased one of its islands to China. China is assisting Maldives in the construction of a major bridge between the nation's international airport and the capital city of Male. Maldives is also part of China's Maritime Silk Road project, a move that has not gone down well in New Delhi.
Information
Article accuses India of planning a coup against Yameen govt.
The editorial accuses India of planning a coup against the Yameen government. It also blames New Delhi for violating international law in Kashmir and of arming Tamil terrorists in Sri Lanka.
Opposition
Opposition strongly protests anti-India article
The opposition led by the Maldivian Democratic Party slammed the president's office which it claims routinely approves editorials published in its mouthpiece. Former Maldivian foreign minister Ahmed Naseem urged India to take robust corrective measures in the interests of both India and Maldives Former presidents and pro-India leaders, Mohammad Nasheed and Maumoon Abdul Gayoom also strongly voiced their support for India.
Nasheed speaks
Former-presidents slam editorial and president Yamin's anti-India stance
"I condemn the article...that brands India as an enemy of Maldives. Outrageous! No Maldivian in his right mind would subscribe to such views. India has been and remains a very close and trusted friend of Maldives.'' Gayoom stated. Nasheed also condemned the anti-India tirade and stated "Prez YAG's reckless foreign policy is destroying India-Maldives relationship. Maldives must be sensitive to India's security and safety,"
Analysis
What should India do?
Recent events indicate that the mood in Maldives is increasingly pro-China and anti-India. In this background, it might do well for New Delhi to forget the past and rebuild relations with the strategically important island nations. Strikingly, Maldives is also the only Indian Ocean nation that Modi hasn't ever visited. Grand, robust gestures can in effect help India avoid losing Maldives to China entirely.