India Out campaign

Maldives Completes U-Turn From ‘India Out’ to ‘Closest Ally’

By Ahmed Naish

The visit of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Malé marked the renewal of traditionally close ties that soured in the early days of President Muizzu’s administration.

Voters Back Maldives Change in Foreign Policy

By Athaulla A Rasheed

A parliamentary supermajority is a chance for Mohammad Muizzu’s government to overhaul foreign policy, but Maldives thrives by embracing all willing partners.

An ‘India Out’ Campaign Gathers Pace in Bangladeshi Social Media

By Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb

Activists have called for a boycott of Indian products in protest against India’s support of the Awami League’s manipulation of elections in Bangladesh.

What the China-Maldives-India Triangle Tells Us About 21st Century Balancing

By Ovigwe Eguegu

Is India really “out” and China “in” for the Maldives? And what does this case tell us about the emerging approach of smaller states in great power competition?

India-Maldives War of Words on Social Media Triggers Diplomatic Row

By Sudha Ramachandran

Neither Modi nor Muizzu can absolve themselves of responsibility for the spat.

Will Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu Tilt Towards China?

By Nalinie Sharma

He can be expected to adopt a more independent, balanced and diversified foreign policy rather than a pro-China one.

Is India Repeating Its Maldives Mistake in Bangladesh?

By Mushfique Wadud

New Delhi’s perceived support for an unpopular incumbent is stoking the fires of anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh.

Maldives’ Presidential Election Was Not a Referendum on India or China

By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor

Local political maneuvering and pressing domestic issues – not geopolitics – drove most Maldivians’ voting decisions.

What to Expect From Maldives’ New President

Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor and JJ Robinson discuss the domestic politics behind President-elect Muizzu's win and the foreign policy implications going forward.

Opposition’s Mohamed Muizzu Wins Maldives’ Presidential Election

By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor

In opposition, Muizzu was part of the “India Out” campaign. Will he take this forward as president?

Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor on Maldives’ Presidential Election

By Shannon Tiezzi

What does Maldives’ new president mean for the country’s future?

Maldives’ Presidential Elections: What’s Next?

By Rishabh Yadav

What the first round results tell us about the September 30 run-off – and what that will mean for Maldives' geopolitical position moving forward.

India-China Contest Looms Over Maldives’ Presidential Elections

By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor

While Muizzu's victory could see a tilt toward China in the archipelago’s foreign policy, India and its Quad partners will cheer President Solih’s re-election.

Former Adversaries Unite to Challenge President Solih in Maldives Presidential Elections

By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor

But there are serious differences between the constituents of the new anti-Solih partnership on domestic and foreign policy issues.

Damaging and Disingenuous: Evaluating the ‘India Out’ Campaign in Maldives

By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor

When it comes to India, a stark contrast emerges when comparing Abdulla Yameen’s current campaign rhetoric with his previous actions as president.

India Can’t Afford to Lose Maldives Again

By Radhey Tambi

A recent visit by India’s defense minister was just the latest in a surge of outreach toward Maldives as its election nears.

Maldives’ 2023 Election Will Shape Indian Ocean Geopolitics

By Mimrah Ghafoor

Both China and India have a stake in the drama surrounding the Maldives' upcoming presidential election.

Decree Banning ‘India Out’ Campaign in Maldives Fuels Protests

By Sudha Ramachandran

President Solih is up against opposition parties as well as rivals within the ruling MDP.

India-Maldives Ties Caught in Archipelago’s Domestic Politics

By Sudha Ramachandran

With a proposed law to criminalize the “India Out” campaign being put in cold storage, anti-India protests will continue.

The Maldives’ ‘India Out’ Campaign

By Balachander Palanisamy

The Maldives has begun to realize a mutually beneficial relationship with India, and the Solih government means to maintain it despite a growing rhetoric stirring anti-India sentiments.