Tall palm trees, beautiful beaches, and a serene atmosphere- Islands almost feel like paradise to all of us. But what happens when an island creates a huge debate? Recently, there have been controversies closely linked to India island territories that created tensions between India and its immediate neighbours- Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Maldives.
Top 3 India Island Controversies in 2024
Katchatheevu – A Tiny Island, Big Debate
2. Coco Islands- A Chinese shadow on Andaman
The Coco Islands lie at the meeting point of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea and are a strategic point overlooking highly important shipping lanes. More than 50% of India’s energy imports, primarily oil, transit through the strategically important Malacca Strait, located near the Coco Islands. China, heavily reliant on imported oil, also uses these shipping lanes.
China has also been busy investing in infrastructure projects throughout Myanmar, building ports and highways.The China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), announced by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in 2017, aims to provide China direct access to the Bay of Bengal. The corridor connects Kunming in Yunnan province (China) to Kyaukphyu in Rakhine state (Myanmar). By bypassing the Strait of Malacca, China seeks to enhance economic cooperation with Myanmar.
While these projects might seem like economic development initiatives, India’s real worry is the development of an airstrip and aircraft hangars on the island by China.
The Mysterious Infrastructure
- Extended Runway: The runway, seemingly freshly lengthened to 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) from its previous 1,300 meters, raises eyebrows. Why would a remote island need such an extensive airport? China’s involvement becomes evident here.
- Widened Hangars: Two new hangars, enlarged by approximately 40 meters, accompany the runway. These structures suggest military purposes, but their exact role remains shrouded in secrecy.
- Espionage Base or Strategic Hub? Speculation abounds. Is this an intelligence base for China’s military expansion into the Indian Ocean? Or does it serve broader strategic goals?
3. Lakshadweep Islands- Boycott Maldives Campaign
A controversy surrounding India island- Lakshwadeep and the Maldives began when social media in India erupted with calls to boycott the Maldives as a tourist destination. This online uproar was triggered by distasteful remarks of a prominent Maldivian minister on the Indian Prime Minister- Mr. Narendra Modi.
The Maldives minister’s reaction to his efforts to promote Lakshadweep islands as a tourist destination by visiting them highlighted the complex understanding of island tourism between the two nations.
In March 2024, Maldives’ forces seized an Indian fishing vessel, fueling tensions between the two nations. The Indian vessel was reportedly operating within the Maldives’ claimed EEZ, which overlaps with India’s claimed EEZ around the Lakshadweep Islands. This creates a situation where both countries have competing claims to fishing rights in the same area.
The Maldivian government, under new leadership, has taken steps that India perceives as pro-China, further complicating the situation.
The 2023 Maldivian presidential election saw Mohamed Muizzu ascend to power. During his campaign, Muizzu advocated for closer relations with China, contrasting with the incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s “India-first” policy. The election results reflected this shift, with Muizzu winning 54.04% of the vote against Solih’s 46.04%. Muizzu’s swearing-in as president on November 17, 2023, marked a turning point in Maldives’ foreign policy. Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Khoda Patel minced no words, asserting that the Maldivian ministers’ remarks “challenged the dignity of India.” Calls for a public apology reverberated across social media platforms, but Maldivian officials remained defiant.
Amid the crisis, President Muizzu appealed for more Chinese tourists, emphasizing the importance of diversifying Maldives’ economic ties. The diplomatic row underscored the delicate balance between India and China’s influence in the region. As the dust settles, the Lakshadweep incident serves as a cautionary tale—a reminder that words matter in diplomacy.
Conclusion
These recent controversies related to India island territories have caused tensions in the whole region, but there’s a way to make things peaceful again. Sharing resources, setting limits on how much fish can be caught, and looking out for everyone’s interests will go a long way. By being friends and following international rules, India and its neighbours can sail through these troubles toward a bright future filled with happy fishermen, a booming economy , and sparkling oceanic waters for everyone to enjoy!