The Maldives is in the midst of a political crisis. Last week, the Supreme Court of Maldives called for the release of nine opposition leaders and the reinstatement of 12 legislators. President Abdulla Yameen responded by arresting Maldives Chief Justice and declaring a state of emergency across the island nation. The opposition leaders including former President Mohamed Nasheed, have called for India’s intervention. The recent developments in the Maldives have once again demonstrated the fragility of political transitions in India’s immediate neighbourhood. As the crisis in the Maldives deepened, the Indian government was criticized for failing to respond with alacrity by sending the troops to restore a fledgeling democracy. The Indian government’s deliberation to deploy hard power is understandable.
