India and Maldives have had a long-standing relationship, with India being one of the first countries to recognize Maldives’ independence in 1965 In recent times, there have been some developments in the relationship between the two countries. Here are some of the latest developments:
- In December 2023, three deputy ministers of the Maldives made disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Lakshadweep, promoting it as a tourist hotspot. This led to a nosedive in India-Maldives relations. The Indian government raised the issue with Maldives, after which the Maldives government suspended the three ministers.
- In January 2024, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu visited China on an official visit, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a delegation of senior government officials. This visit has deepened the diplomatic shift as India-Maldives ties strain.
Q: What was the cause of the nosedive in India-Maldives relations in December 2023?
a. Trade disputes
b. Disparaging remarks about PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep
c. Military conflicts
d. Economic sanctions
Ans : b. Disparaging remarks about PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep
