Durgapur, India: News of the Maldives leasing its Velana International Airport to a Chinese company for 50 years has set off alarm bells in India, raising concerns about its strategic interests and the effectiveness of its foreign policy. The agreement, announced shortly after Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's return from China, has been met with strong reactions in India, with many viewing it as a blow to its influence in the strategically crucial Indian Ocean region.
Points of Concern:
- Strategic Impact: The Velana International Airport serves as a vital gateway to the Maldives, with significant influence over tourism and trade. Control of the airport by a Chinese company could give China leverage over these critical sectors, potentially impacting India's economic and strategic ties with the Maldives.
- Security Implications: With its proximity to India's southern coast, the airport's control by China raises concerns about potential military implications. The possibility of enhanced Chinese presence in the Maldives could pose security challenges for India.
- Diplomacy in Question: The timing of the deal, coinciding with President Solih's visit to China, raises questions about the efficacy of India's "muscular foreign policy". Some argue that it has not been able to adequately counter China's growing influence in the region.
Key Questions:
- Muscular Diplomacy's Efficacy: Is India's foreign policy approach sufficient to address China's growing assertiveness in its neighborhood? Does it need to be recalibrated?
- Way Forward: What steps can India take to mitigate the potential risks arising from the airport lease deal? Should it focus on diplomatic outreach, economic partnerships, or other strategies?
- Maritime & Security Implications: How will the Chinese presence at the airport affect India's maritime security interests in the Indian Ocean? What measures can be taken to safeguard these interests?
The Maldives airport lease to China is a complex issue with far-reaching implications for India. A comprehensive assessment of the situation, coupled with robust policy responses, is crucial to safeguard India's strategic interests in the region.
