New Delhi, Feb. 17 -- Mohammed Muizzu's convincing electoral victory (54% votes) on an openly 'India out' campaign has shaken up New Delhi's strategic and intelligence community, which had for years taken the Maldives relationship for granted and, consequently, misread political signals and shifting public sentiments. In popular and official perception, the Maldives is thought of only as a small idyllic island country blessed with natural beauty that was a haven for tourists and rich Indians, and dependent on India.

To be fair, at a purely government-to-government level, New Delhi and Male have enjoyed warm and friendly relations over several decades. India had consistently reached out to the Maldives. During the pandemic, Maldives was a...