India backs Maldives to hilt as China's debt leaves negative legacy

Chinese forays in South Asia are increasing, from Nepal to Pakistan, but if the past is to go by, a trail of debt is sure to be expected of it. The Maldives, under former President of Maldives Abdulla Yameen, saw the increased role of Chinese companies and government, something that has shown its impact.

Between 2012 and 2018, Chinese entities signed contracts between USD 2 to USD 3 billion, some at exorbitant repayment interest rates.

This when compared to the size of the economy of the country, is not such a rosy picture, saddling it with huge debt. The true figures of Maldives debt to China are still not known, such is the magnitude of the crisis.

The sovereignty of islands such as Feydhoo Finolhu in Kaafu Atoll, Fahala in Thaa Atoll and the alarming plan to set up Joint Ocean Meteorological Observation Stations on strategically located Islands across the Maldives would have been exchanged for debt-relief.

Add to this, the rushed through Maldives China Free trade agreement in 2017.

But that chapter is closed with the new government under President Solih taking charge. The first thing New Delhi did was announce USD one billion in 2018 during New Maldives President's India visit.

And since then, the support has been in every way possible, from grant to currency swap to line of credit. In fact, during the covid-19 crisis, India had reached out to Male with medical and food aid.

The key area of focus has been on increasing people-to-people ties, especially with the Malè-Kochi ferry service that will also generate employment in the northern port of Kulhudhuffushi.

The project was announced during PM Modi's first foreign visit abroad in his second term last year and came into being earlier this year.

Other than that, projects include water and sewerage systems on 34 islands, expansion of Hanimaadhoo airport, high-impact community development projects across the Maldives, gifting a Dornier aircraft for ferrying patients from remote Islands, cricket stadium and the list is endless.

And from the community to the megaproject, the Indian government will fund the construction of the Greater Malè Connectivity Project (GMCP). The total cost is USD 500 million, of which USD 100 million is under grant aid and was handed over by the Indian Foreign Secretary during his to the country earlier this month.

The mega project revitalizes the Maldivian economy as well, a stark comparison to the Male-Hulhule China Maldives Friendship Bridge (CMFB) built in 2018 at the cost of around USD 300 million.