... It would be reassuring to think that Washington also has the Maldives on its radar, but the probability is that the State Department and Pentagon are overloaded with more urgent requirements in Ukraine, the Middle East and Taiwan. The loss of the Maldives to China could, however, be one of those small issues which take on much larger significance post-facto. It should not be allowed to happen.
The solution must be to engage with Muizzu and to negotiate for the 80 Indian soldiers to remain (and be gradually reinforced). The Maldives would find life very hard indeed without its supplies from India and it will be a test of the MEA’s diplomatic skills to see if this leverage can be exercised in a manner which is non-threatening. It probably calls for a ‘whole of government’ approach to include collaboration in education, healthcare, and the wider economy. READ FULL REPORT FROM THE CIPHER BRIEF
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