Who has been chosen as the new leader of the Maldives?
A1: Mohamed Muizzu, the Mayor of Male and the choice of the previous ruling party, the PPM, has been elected as the new leader of the Maldives.
What was the reason for President Ibu Solih's electoral loss?
A2: President Ibu Solih's electoral loss is attributed to several factors, including anti-incumbency sentiment, concerns over the post-COVID-19 economy,
a rift within his party (MDP), and issues related to "sovereignty" raised by Mohamed Muizzu's PPM.
What is the "India out" campaign mentioned in the article?
A3: The "India out" campaign refers to efforts by the PPM, led by Mohamed Muizzu, to oust Indian military personnel from the Maldives.
How did President Abdulla Yameen's tenure impact India-Maldives relations?
A4: During President Abdulla Yameen's tenure, there was tension between India and the Maldives. Yameen had strengthened ties with China,
leading to concerns of a "debt trap" due to loans for infrastructure projects.
How did President Solih change India-Maldives relations?
A5: President Solih adopted an "India First" policy, enhancing ties with India, seeking Indian assistance during the pandemic, and cooperating on various infrastructure projects.
What challenges does President-elect Muizzu face in his new role?
A6: President-elect Muizzu faces economic challenges, including managing debt repayments, as well as navigating geopolitical interests involving India, China, and the United States.
What is the upcoming referendum vote in the Maldives about?
A7: There is an upcoming referendum vote in the Maldives, pushed for by former President Mohamed Nasheed,
to decide whether the country will revert to a parliamentary system instead of a presidential one.
How should India and the Maldives approach their strategic interests?
A8: Both India and the Maldives should avoid viewing their strategic interests as "zero-sum" games and instead work towards
maintaining a balanced approach to their traditional, strategic relationships with various nations.
How has India reacted to the change in Maldives leadership?
A9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to congratulate President-elect Muizzu on social media,
but New Delhi has emphasized the need to avoid the perception of having favorites within the Maldivian polity.
What role did the Maldives play in the UN General Assembly?
A10: The Maldives, with India's support, had Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid elected as the President of the UN General Assembly.
What is China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)?
A11: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a large-scale infrastructure and economic development project initiated by China.
It aims to enhance trade connectivity by building infrastructure networks, including roads, railways, ports, and pipelines, across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond.
What is the concern about the "debt trap" associated with China's BRI?
A12: The "debt trap" concern arises when countries, particularly in developing regions, accumulate significant amounts of debt from China to fund BRI projects.
These loans can become burdensome if the borrowing countries struggle to repay them, potentially leading to economic and strategic dependencies on China.
How does the "debt trap" work in the context of BRI?
A13: When a country borrows substantial sums from China for BRI projects, it may find it challenging to meet debt repayments,
especially if these projects do not generate the expected economic returns.
This can lead to financial instability and the possibility of China exerting influence or control over critical assets in exchange for debt relief.
Which countries have raised concerns about falling into the "debt trap" due to BRI loans?
A14: Several countries, including Sri Lanka and Pakistan, have expressed concerns about the economic challenges posed by heavy BRI-related debts.
Sri Lanka's Hambantota Port lease to China and Pakistan's request for debt restructuring are notable examples.
How can countries mitigate the risk of falling into the "debt trap" with BRI projects?
A15: Countries can mitigate the risk by carefully assessing the terms of loans, ensuring transparency in project agreements, diversifying funding sources,
and conducting comprehensive feasibility studies to assess the economic viability of projects.
What is the role of international institutions and lenders in addressing "debt trap" concerns?
A16: International organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank can provide financial and
technical assistance to countries facing debt challenges. They can also encourage responsible lending practices and debt sustainability assessments.
Has China responded to concerns about the "debt trap" associated with BRI?
A17: China has acknowledged concerns and has expressed willingness to address debt-related issues through negotiations and debt restructuring agreements.
However, the effectiveness of these efforts varies from case to case.
What is the broader impact of BRI on global geopolitics and economics?
A18: BRI has sparked debates about China's growing influence in regions where it is active. It has the potential to reshape trade routes,
foster economic growth, and impact global power dynamics, making it a significant factor in international relations.
