THE fallout of the uncouth and distasteful remarks made by three of Maldivian leaders has been deservingly not good for Maldives. However, the outcome of the row triggered by the comments has been positive for India. On that count, India must thank Malé for giving her the opportunity to score well on various points. As has become known by now, focus on Maldives has been a part of the failing ‘string of pearls’ design of the Communist China to encircle India and create troubles in the Indian Ocean Region. But, the India of present day has been fully conscious of the Chinese deigns and has been working consistently and confidently on various counter measures. This process has been aided by imploding economy of China and growing awareness about its hegemonic debt traps among the smaller nations around India. The current leadership of Maldives, sadly, is being viewed as pro-China despite other nations like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh becoming weary about China’s so-called sweet gestures. Out of this naivete about Chinese design, and as an acknowledgement of the Chinese help to his party’s ascendance to power, Maldives President Mr. Mohammed Muizzu has been playing to please the Communist country.

 

Hence, he sought withdrawal of the friendly Indian military from his island nation. Raising the tempo, there were indications that Malé would want India to withdraw from hydrology pact. As the tiny nation wanted to create unnecessary disruptions in the ties with long-term friend like India, the latter decided that enough was enough. So, without asserting in so many spoken words, India asserted herself. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi became kind of a brand ambassador for beach tourism potential of Indian territory of Lakshadweep. The uncouth and racist remarks by Maldivian leaders proved to be even more beneficial for India. For, it triggered a flood of pro-India sentiment in the social media. The uncharitable comments of the Maldivian leaders united Indians across various perceived dividing lines. So, right from the celebrities to political leaders to social media influencers, everyone stood by Mr. Modi not as a political leader but as the Prime Minister of a proud and confident Indian nation. Mr. Modi’s popularity has expanded in the domains of individual recognition as well as institutional recognition as the Prime Minister of India. The businesses also responded in a manner that was not seen in a long time.

 

Recognising a whopping 3,400 per cent rise in online searches for Lakshadweep, the travel business giants announced ‘beaches of India’ campaign. Some suspended tours to Maldives. Film stars pitched for Lakshadweep. The common thread in all these responses was that India rose to the occasion as a strong and unified nation. India must thank Malé for this positive development. The galvanising of the public support to Indian leadership beyond petty political lines, and unified response to something spoken against the country, reflects the collective spirit of Indians. Also, it speaks of the growing awareness among Indians about geopolitical situations. For, only the aware countrymen can think holistically and respond to anti-India actions of the foreign powers. This time, it happened not only externally but also from within India. Of course, a section of political entities in the Opposition might not like this, but it does not change the socio-cultural change in demography. This situation -- of Indians responding as one organism -- augurs well for further growth of India on the world scene.