In the midst of an escalating diplomatic dispute between Bharat and the Maldives, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has acknowledged the complexities of international politics. Speaking at a Townhall meeting in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Jaishankar asserted, “Politics is politics. I cannot guarantee that in every country, every day, everybody will support us or agree with us.” This statement comes as the Maldives sets a deadline of March 15 for Bharat to pull back its troops from the island.
Jaishankar emphasized the strategic approach Bharat has adopted over the past decade, focusing on building strong connections with other nations. Despite political fluctuations, he highlighted the importance of fostering positive sentiments among the people and society at large, promoting a better understanding of the significance of maintaining amicable relations with Bharat.
Acknowledging Bharat’s role in international development, Jaishankar mentioned the country’s involvement in various infrastructure projects abroad. From building roads and electricity infrastructure to facilitating trade access and making investments, India aims to strengthen its relationships through diverse engagements. The minister noted that these efforts contribute to the overall development of diplomatic ties.
However, the diplomatic row between Bharat and the Maldives took a bitter turn recently. Three Maldivian ministers made derogatory remarks against Bharat Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media, leading to strained relations. Although the Maldives government, led by the newly elected pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu, distanced itself from the ministers’ comments, the fallout has resulted in heightened tensions.
President Muizzu, who took office on November 17 last year, formally requested Bharat to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives, citing a “strong mandate” from the Maldivian people. The request, issued nearly two months ago, has now escalated with the Maldives setting a deadline of March 15 for the withdrawal. According to government figures, there are currently 88 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives.
As the diplomatic standoff unfolds, both nations face the challenge of finding common ground to de-escalate tensions and preserve the longstanding relationship that has seen its share of ups and downs over the years. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of India-Maldives relations and the resolution of the current dispute.
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