The constitutional crisis and the state of emergency in the Maldives have triggered a churning in the Indian Ocean region. Maldives’ strategic location makes it extremely important in the Indian Ocean dynamics. It is on display in the Maldives as well, with the Chinese government investing heavily to upgrade the island’s infrastructure – refurbishing the capital city’s airport, constructing the China Maldives Friendship Bridge, and building a mammoth housing project. Its near-absolute control over the Maldives impasse has left little room for New Delhi to manoeuvre. Besides naval presence, India needs to act diplomatically as well before the situation spirals out of control.

Source: dna February 22, 2018 02:26 UTC