Round The World
New
Delhi, 19 January 2024
India & Maldives
SOCIAL MEDIA WAR
By Dr. D.K. Giri
(Secretary General, Assn for Democratic Socialism)
Digital
technology is a wonderful invention and social media is a powerful platform.
But remember, EF Schumacher had propounded the concept of appropriate
technology which is defined by judicious use of any technology by its
consumers. In the India-Maldives relations, the recent unsavoury spat in the
social media backed by a dose of hyper nationalism on both sides is a classic
case of overuse if not crass abuse of social media. Unfortunately, both the
countries have perhaps unconsciously allowed the social media to influence negatively
the bilateral relations.
The
fracas began with absolutely uncalled for reactions by three Maldivian ministers
to snapshots posted by Prime Minister Modi of his trip to Lakshadweep. Even in
the words of former President of Maldives, Ibrahim Solih that the ministers used
‘hateful language’. Of course, the Maldives government immediately suspended
the ministers.
Nevertheless,
in reaction to the derogatory personal comments by the Maldivian ministers on
Indian Prime Minister, all hell broke loose on the Indian social media. A
fairly big travel agency EaseMyTrip CEO reacted by cancelling thousands of
bookings by Indian tourists to Maldives. Another Indian travel aggregator
removed Male as a destination from its travel website and encouraged tourists
to go instead for Indian beaches. BJP IT cell unleashed its troll army to take
on Maldives. It roped in its favourite acquiescent celebrities from sports and
cinema – Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar –
ironically the very people who holiday in Maldives.
A South
Indian film star Nagarjuna cancelled his entire family’s visit to Maldives in
support of the Prime Minister and the country. The troll army used demeaning
language in attacking Maldives. The point is, was it necessary to disparage Maldives
while promoting Lakshadweep and other holidays spots in India. The outburst of
nationalism against a small neighbouring country, which has been friendly and
dependent on India was equally uncalled for. Worse, a commerce organisation has
said they would not trade with Maldives.
The
patriotic cheerleaders and social media warriors are oblivious of two important
elements in the recent episode. One is presenting Lakshadweep as an alternative
to Maldives. There is no doubt that there are several wonderful, underused
tourist spots in India. How to promote tourism to such areas is another
discussion. It should be noted that Lakshadweep is a small archipelago located
in 32 sq kms, quite small to absorb numerous footfalls. It is an ecologically
sensitive zone that contains the carbon footprint in the Island. It has, as of
now, very little connectivity. There is one daily 60-seater flight from Kochi
to Agatti. Only two of five ferries sail between Kochi and Lakshadweep. There
are barely 100 rooms across the Island. Lakshadweep is certainly exquisite. But
the question is whether average Indian tourists always game for food and
shopping will find much attraction.
The
second issue is the comprehension of Maldivian politics, especially after the
election of President Mohamed Muizzu having a pro-China tilt. Muizzu ran his
campaign on an ‘India Out’ plank. A correct perception of the recent political
developments in Maldives should help steady the India-Maldives bilateral
relations. Let us not forget that Maldives politics is divided like that of any
other country. All Maldivians or political parties are not against India. The
Opposition parties are vigorously protesting the anti-India positioning by the
present Maldivian government. In fact, there have been calls for a no-confidence
motion against the ruling regime. Even a Maldivian tourism body wrote to their
Indian counterparts, “We want you to know the bonds connecting our nations
transcend politics. We consider our Indian counterparts as cherish brothers and
sisters”.
Maldives
economy is run largely by its tourism. India is by far the largest source of
tourism for Maldives. So, the panic, even if we discount the pro-Indian feeling
in anti-Muizzu political segments, is understandable. In 2023, over two lakh
tourists from India landed in Maldives that has around 5 lakh people. Even in the
pandemic, 63000 Indians visited Maldives. Over last two years, 4.5 lakh Indians
have been to Maldives. President Muizzu asserted that Maldives can substitute
Indian tourists by an increase in the flow of tourists from China. Apparently,
he made a request to Chinese President Xi Jinping to send more tourists to his
country. It is hard to imagine that China can literally turn on a tap that
increases the flow of tourists to any destination.
Let us
also remember that leadership in many countries in the India-Pacific region is divided
as pro or anti-China. Those who are anti-China seem to be pro-India and vice-e-versa.
The countries that come to mind are Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldivies and
so on. The External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in an event in Nagpur
reacted to the journalists on the recent tension with Maldives. He also
suggested that small countries try to leverage the big power rivalries. Admittedly,
India has been doing so in case of former Soviet Union, now Russia and the United
States. So, some countries including Maldives do the same between India and
China.
Indians
should be conscious of the geo-political dynamics that prompt regimes in
countries to choose partners. New Delhi should focus on its tension and
competition with China which are reflected in our relations with our neighbours
and other countries in the region. Beijing, in the pursuit of its policy of ‘String
of Pearls’, is penetrating into India’s neighbourhood. New Delhi has to counter
it with all its force - diplomatic, economic and strategic. This is a strategic
choice imposed on India which it cannot forswear.
On repairing
the current rupture in India-Maldives relations, both countries have to reflect
and react. As a bigger country, India could be more tolerant by being a bit
thick-skinned. Outsized reactions as were seen in the social media should be
avoided. Maldivians should realise that India has been their trusted ally and a
provider of essential goods and services. New Delhi has helped Maldives on
several crisis situations in addition to having multi-sectoral projects in the
country. China may come with a bigger pot of money, but as other countries have
realised, alliance with China is like a kiss of death. Beijing seduces
countries with instant aid and draws them into a debt trap.
Geographically,
Maldives is 700 kms from the Indian coast and over 6000 kms from China. New
Delhi treats Maldives as an important part of SAGAR (Security and Growth for
All in the Region) Policy. A robust long-term relation with India will augur
well for Maldives. Likewise, India would benefit from the strategic location of
Maldives in the Indian Ocean. Beijing has been wooing Maldives for the same
reason as 80 per cent of China’s oil passes through the maritime trade highway
through Maldives.
To
conclude, New Delhi should take urgent steps to repair the damage. The China
angle in India’s neighbourhood is not new. The situation has been similar in
Nepal. But the regime change has retrieved it for India. Maldives could be no
exception. India’s foreign policy is more progressive than China’s. President
Muizzu would have a change of mind or Maldives will have a change of regime. Indians
should therefore react with caution and maturity.---INFA
(Copyright, India News & Feature Alliance)
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