In the pursuit of grabbing headlines on social media, governing with a hypernationalistic agenda can have far-reaching consequences, as exemplified by the recent events , India- Maldives.
The strategic importance of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean has turned it into a battleground for influence between India and China, leading to a dangerous situation with potential repercussions on not only India- Maldives relations but in entire South Asia.
The geostrategic significance of the Maldives has fueled a power struggle between India and China, both vying for a foothold in the region. India has traditionally enjoyed cordial relations with the Island nation, having thwarted a coup in the Maldives in 1989. The political landscape saw former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih maintaining close ties with India, while the current President, Muizzu, found favor with China. Solih's opponent, Male Mayor Mohamed Muizzu ( current President) signalled a shift towards China, raising concerns about the possibility of anti-India sentiment gaining traction.
The anti-India campaign in Maldives gained momentum unexpectedly, with a targeted disruption during an International Day of Yoga event organized by the Indian High Commission in 2022. This orchestrated incident, reportedly supported by hardliner groups and the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), provided Muizzu with an opportunity to exploit anti-India sentiments in the run-up to the crucial elections in September 2023.
Parallelisms can be drawn to domestic issues, such as the rise of hardline elements supporting leaders like Mr. Modi in India. Muizzu capitalized on an 'Indian Out Campaign,' advocating for the removal of Indian troops from Maldives, a sentiment that resonated with certain factions in the country. China, recognizing an opening, seized the opportunity to advance its interests through infrastructure and connectivity projects.
Political posturing in India, particularly related to the Lakshadweep islands, became a target for criticism in the Maldives. This, in turn, led to calls for boycotting the Maldives by Indian celebrities and travel companies, exacerbating the diplomatic rift. So, the fallout extended beyond politics, affecting tourism ties between India and the Maldives
The Maldives controversy coincided with President Muizzu's visit to China, emphasizing the delicate diplomatic balance at play. The situation underscores several crucial points:
- Hypernationalism's Pitfalls: Excessive nationalism, particularly that is based on RELIGION, whether in India or the Maldives, does not serve the interests of any nation ; both within and outside. It can lead to tensions and conflicts detrimental to all parties involved.In this case, it is China’s gain.
- The Domino Effect: Newton's third law applies not only to physical objects but also to politics ; Within and International. Hyper nationalism in one country triggers reactions elsewhere, as witnessed in the strained relations between India and the Maldives. Mr Modi's visit to Bangladesh few years back had lead to desecration of Hindu temples there.
- Secularism as Strength: India's strength lies in its secular values, not religious fundamentalism. A departure from secularism could lead to internal as well as External challenges and diminish India's influence in the South Asian region. SAARC is already dead now. What is happening within the country today is getting telecasted allover and that is likely to have Newton's effect.
- Government's Role: The government's focus on social media optics over substantive governance, is a cause of concern, as highlighted by Arun Shourie. He had said - "Indian Govt is increasingly not acting like a Govt but A WhatsApp Group", . The undue concern over perception management on whats app is like a media channel being concerned about its TRP. A more measured and strategic approach is essential to navigate complex international relations.
In conclusion, the Maldives incident serves as a cautionary tale against the perils of hypernationalism, emphasizing the need for countries to pursue balanced and diplomatic approaches to foster stable international relations.