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Slogans of ‘India Out’ were being heard in Maldivian politics for some time now, but when the clouds of health crisis loomed over the country, it once again remembered its oldest and trusted neighbor India. Amidst the acute shortage of medicines and emergency medical needs in Maldives, India has extended its hand of friendship without any delay. The Indian government has sent a large consignment of medicines to Maldives through a special plane, so that the citizens there can get timely treatment. This step belies the claims which were talking about bitterness in the relations between the two countries.
Amidst resentment, India fulfilled the responsibility of its neighbor Ever since the current Muizzu government of Maldives came to power, the news of diplomatic tension between the two countries was continuously in the headlines. Strong stance was taken by Maldives on withdrawal of Indian troops and several bilateral agreements. However, India has always emphasized on the policy of ‘Neighbourhood First’. When Maldives appealed for help regarding the shortage of medicines and surgical equipment, India kept aside old bitterness and played the role of a responsible elder brother and immediately cleared the medical supplies.
Life saving medicines sent in emergency medical supplies This consignment sent from India mainly includes those medicines which are used in the treatment of serious diseases and in the daily functioning of hospitals. The stock of these medicines in Maldives was on the verge of being exhausted, due to which there was a fear of collapse of the health system there. This help, sent in coordination with the Indian Embassy and the Health Ministry, includes antibiotics, painkillers and other necessary injections. Maldivian health officials have thanked India for this help, which is an indication that geography and history come in handy in difficult times.
India’s big message amid efforts to get closer to China Experts believe that this prompt help from India is not only a humanitarian act but also a strong diplomatic message. In the last few months, Maldives’ inclination towards China was seen increasing, but the ground reality is that at the time of any natural disaster or health crisis, India comes forward as the first responder. Be it Operation Cactus of 1988, help during the tsunami or the recent supply of medicines, India has proved time and again that it stands with the people of Maldives despite strategic differences.
