First, in April 2022, came a giant banner emblazoned on the walls of the former Maldives president and opposition lea der Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s house in Male. Its message was unequivocal: “India Out”. Two months later, a mob attacked Yoga Day activities in Male organised by Indian diplomats—for being “un-Islamic”. These were early signs of an anti-India sentiment taking hold of the archipelago nation. Maldives president Mohamed Muizzu, who was mayor of Male when these
