India had showed it to the whole world on 1988 and 2012. When India acted on Maldives’ independence and sovereignty when Maldives was under attack with some locals as the lead on 3rd November 1988, Maldives was in a situation where they had to do anything India requested. Ready for it. Even so, they didn’t ask for anything from Maldives. While they didn’t ask for one uninhabited island, they didn’t even ask for a place to build one base. Instead worked and helped to improve the capability of Maldivian soldiers. To build additional bases for Maldivian military. To provide additional weapons, give trainings and increase capability of Maldivian soldiers.
If you look at till now also, biggest help is provided by India for Maldivian military. Even if it is a gun, a bullet, a piece of foam, patrolling the region or a helicopter to carry a sick person with all the facilities are given by India. The hanger to keep that helicopter is also built by India.
Next came 2012. When the government was overthrown on 2012, the world was not in a way to accept it. Almost whole world wanted to bring back Nasheed’s government.
It was not done like that and opportunity was not given to take action on Maldives was due to India. If India did not accept Dr. Mohamed Hassan Manik’s government immediately, they would’ve been many difficulties Maldives had to face.
Back then the biggest problem created was the airport was given to GMR. When that big problem was there, India did not interfere in it. Even though there were many problems in GMR agreement, GMR was ousted easily because India did not interfere in it.
It’s difficult to tell how India is not helping Maldivian military due to how Senahiya hospital was created and now also 2 doctors and 4 paramedic specialist services are provided.
Back then also India pressured Maldives when Maldivian government went away from democracy. When Maldives was dependent on the hind leg in implementing the law.
Since things are like this, we can’t say that India is helping Maldives as they have a self-interest. But that doesn’t mean India also doesn’t have concerns/worries. Those worries will also increase due to the region Maldives is located in.
China has invested in Maldives the most now. Trade ties are most strengthened with China too. That has no problem. No country keeps ties on the same level as other countries in everything. Every country will have ties with other countries in different levels in things.
Maldives is now facing a different issue. Issues created as people started criticizing politically who don’t know how much diplomatic ties should be kept between countries. Issues created as some people in political positions have never been involved in foreign related things to any extent. Issues created as peace of some political people working in foreign sector are linked to some countries. Issues created as some employees who work in foreign sector receive money from some countries in different ways and get its benefit.
This is a very dangerous situation for the country. Maldives is now facing issues that will be created if things are said and blames are put on countries by linking foreign policy and peace of employees working in foreign sector.
India has proved by action that they don’t have any self-interest on Maldives.
