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Maldives-India Rapprochement: Of Economic Pressures and Strategic Rebalancing
After almost a year of antagonistic rhetoric toward India and a shift toward China, the Maldives appears to be taking steps to mend and strengthen its traditional ties with New Delhi. On August 26, a high-level delegation from the Indian…
Lakshadweep and Agalega: Implications of India’s Naval Dominance
In February 2024, India bagged two achievements in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR): the commissioning of INS Jatayu, an Indian Naval base on Lakshadweep Island, and the inauguration of security establishments on Agalega Island, Mauritius. These two developments come amidst…
Navigating the India-Maldives Diplomatic Spat
The Maldives, often depicted in the news as a tropical paradise, recently had a less idyllic appearance in the headlines. President Mohamed Muizzu's government ruffled feathers in New Delhi by asking India to withdraw its military personnel by March 15,…
Looking Back at 2023: SAV Editors’ Picks
At South Asian Voices, we pride ourselves on publishing diverse perspectives from across the subcontinent on important and often contentious issues related to the politics, security, and economics of South Asia. Below are the SAV editorial team’s top picks of 2023: Sophia Kierstead…
Rethinking India-China Dynamics amidst Political Transitions in the Maldives
The recent political transitions in the Maldives are poised to exert significant influence on the geopolitical dynamics between India and China in the Indian Ocean. The victory of Mohamed Muizzu, a pro-China candidate, in the recent presidential election, defeating the…
In the Maldives, Domestic Politics is Causing China to Lose Ground
In May 2023, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh made a three-day visit to the Maldives to further deepen India’s defense cooperation with the archipelago, arguably to counter Chinese influence. While China and the Maldives have enjoyed warm relations since the establishment…