New Delhi: China’s interference in the Indian Ocean region is increasing. It is trapping Sri Lanka and Maldives in its web. But India is also not unaware of China’s activities in the Indian Ocean. This is the reason why when PM Modi took oath as PM for the third time, he made a sure shot move to foil China’s move. PM Modi made a big move by appeasing the neighbors on the day of the swearing-in ceremony itself. India invited neighboring countries including Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bangladesh to the swearing-in ceremony. PM Modi gave a diplomatic message to the world on the day of his swearing-in that for India, neighbors come first. This move of PM Modi is in the direction of stopping the growing influence of China in the Indian Ocean region.
Actually, the swearing-in ceremony of the NDA government led by BJP was held on Sunday. During the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi, the heads of states of 7 important neighboring countries of India also attended. Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Bhutan and Seychelles were invited to PM Modi’s third swearing-in ceremony. Five of these are countries of the Indian Ocean region, while Nepal and Bhutan have been good neighbors of India for decades. These countries of the Indian Ocean are very important in terms of India’s maritime policy. By inviting these countries to his swearing-in ceremony, PM Modi gave a big message to the world on the diplomatic front – for India, its neighbors come first. China has been eyeing India’s neighbors for a long time, be it Sri Lanka or Maldives.
counter to china’s move
According to experts, PM Modi wants to appease his neighbors. He wants that India’s neighboring countries should not be inclined towards China. As has been seen in the past. Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives have been more affected by China in the past. China has targeted Sri Lanka and Maldives for its own benefit. It was because of China that relations with Nepal soured in the past. It was because of the Dragon that India’s relationship with Maldives came under tension. However, now due to Indian efforts, these countries have started coming on track. China wants to dominate the Indian Ocean region by trapping these countries in the debt trap. If China succeeds in its plans, it wants to surround India from all sides. This is the reason why India is engaged in improving relations with its neighbors and distancing them from China.
Why are neighbours important for India?
Now the question arises that what is India’s intention behind this? The answer is maritime security. China wants to become the king of the sea. It wants to have sole rule over the Indian Ocean. By doing this, it wants to strengthen maritime security. It is trying to surround India by increasing its dominance in the Indian Ocean region. This is the reason why India wants to stop Chinese interference in the Indian Ocean region. China wants to bring India’s neighboring countries to its side by offering temptations. This will be very dangerous for India’s maritime security. This is the reason why India is now focused on improving relations with Maldives, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Mauritius and Bangladesh.
China’s interference in Maldives
China wants to use Sri Lanka and Maldives, important countries of the Indian Ocean, for its strategic advantage. China is even spying and doing research in Maldives through ships. India’s relations have soured since Muizzu’s government came to power in Maldives. Muizzu is very close to China. As soon as he came to power, he asked India to withdraw its troops. However, Maldives had to bear the brunt of deteriorating relations with India. The tourism sector was badly affected and Muizzi was criticized a lot in Maldives. At the same time, Seychelles has supported Indian efforts in terms of maritime security. Seychelles’ role is important for India in preventing piracy and illegal fishing. At the same time, Sri Lanka’s inclination towards China is also seen to be decreasing. After getting economic help from India, it has come back on track again. Whereas during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, relations between India and Bangladesh have been much better.
Tags: Narendra Modi, PM Modi, Pm modi news
FIRST PUBLISHED : June 10, 2024, 10:51 IST