Maldives has been a trusted neighbour of India for decades. However, relations with India have come under great strain since the China-backed government came to power in Maldives, and now Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep But the objectionable remarks of the Maldivian ministers have added fuel to the fire. Because it is the Maldives that will suffer the loss. Maldives is dependent on India for its oil supply. Without it, the economy of Maldives will be deeply affected. Oil Without supplies, Maldives’ industry and transport services could be affected.
India’s oil refinery capacity is at number 4 in the entire world. We refine and sell oil to other countries and Maldives benefits the most from it. Maldives is closest to India, so they get petroleum products at the cheapest price by refining them. And if they buy the same goods from China then their logistics cost increases significantly. In such a situation, if India wants, it can stop refined petroleum, which can bring their entire economy to a halt.
The main product of India and Maldives’ exports is refined petroleum. Which stands at 128 million dollars, if India bans refined petroleum, Maldives may see huge inflation in their country. Due to this, the entire tourism will have a significant effect. Till now Maldives has not become so advanced that electronic cars can run in their country, even if they start running, India is the only one to sell electricity.
Maldives is so dependent on India that it has been engaged in increasing the import of refined petroleum from India for the last 26 years and a growth of 10 per cent is being seen every year. Apart from petroleum, Maldives also imports packaged medicines and rice in record quantities. In such a situation, if there is even a slight change in India’s attitude amidst the nonsense of Maldives and India takes some strict action, then Maldives will be forced to down on their knees and they will have no other option but to appeal to India.
