In the past year or two, the biggest question raised on the dynamic Indian foreign policy has been the rising antagonism in its own backyard. This skepticism started with the emergence of Muhammed Muizzu as the new President of Maldives after the elections with key focus on India Out campaign. However, things have changed over time and Maldives seems to have realized that staring India in the eye is not an easy way to go, especially when you are positioned in the Indian ocean as India helps you without asking for kickbacks like China.

Reports suggest that Muizzu can soon make a visit to India and the officials are busy in planning the visit. In the meantime, the leader of Maldives has said that Male has never antagonized any country, back tracking on his anti-India propaganda. At an event in US’ at the Princeton University Muizzu emphasised that he looks forward for better relations with India, asserting that he took action when unacceptable remarks were made against PM Modi.

Muizzu was in New York to attend 79th UNGA meet. He was replying to questions on Maldives’ Foreign policy at PU’ School of Public and International University. Maldives President outrightly rejected the India Out campaign and said that he never uttered such things. His statement is surprising as India Out banners were on the streets when he pushed the agenda for the ouster of Indian soldiers. But this change in the tone of the island nation has not come overnight, in fact, the change be attributed to Muizzu realizing that assuming presidency of a nation requires a facing the reality.

After assuming presidency, Muizzu visited Turkey and China in a bid to tease India. He also asked India to withdraw its troops, who were mostly running humanitarian missions. ‘When you dont want us, why should you get our tourists?’ Time was for India to respond, PM Modi visited Lakshadweep and promoted it as an alternative tourist attraction, an idea which was widely accepted. As Maldives economy is heavily dependent on Indian tourists, new government’s minister got irritated made controversial remarks against PM, which led to huge embarrassment for Male, causing their removal from the cabinet.

The incident made it clear to Muizzu that India will not take any bullshit. His fierce attacks on India turned to table discussions.

The withdrawal of Indian troops was also done after round of negotiations. However, the withdrawal also taught Muizzu some great lessons. After India withdrew its troops, Maldives faced a vaccum for pilots to fly Dornier aircraft and helicopters, gifted by India in good spirits, leaving humanitarian missions astray. Maldives Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon acknowledged on May 11 this year that his country pilots lacked capability talking about replacement of Indian soldiers with civilian pilots. Male also said that they had no plans to send doctors back.

The incidents were sufficient for Male to understand that being pro-China can only burden you with loans but can not provide support that you need neither you can unilaterally run business with India.

Another incident that led Maldives to face reality was their loan situation. Maldives treasury bills were due to be paid to State Bank of India this year, however Male was in no condition to repay it, hence sought help from India. Pro-China and anti-India Muizzu had no options. India, as usual, extended the help in good spirit. It extended the repayment time by one additional year. Maldives gave thanks to India for being a helping partner.

These three incidents occurring in a year, showed Muizzu that being a puppet at the hands of Indian enemies will only invite tensions with New Delhi, a scale of which he can’t withstand. Additionally, the puppeteers will sort their interests at the humongous cost that Maldives may have to pay for decades to come. The softening tone of Muizzu also sent a clear message to the critics of Indian Foreign Policy in South Asia that diplomacy is a chess game where your only aim is to checkmate even if you have to use carrots and sticks.