Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that global superpowers must deploy military assets to the Indian Ocean to ensure regional security, emphasising the importance of establishing capabilities within the Maldivian islands to intercept such threats.
Speaking on maritime security, Nasheed noted that the world is currently facing immense international challenges. He warned that the threat to Maldivian waters is escalating, particularly as tensions in the Middle East continue to deteriorate.
Nasheed pointed out that if the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, and the gateway to the Red Sea were to reopen after being closed, militant groups could potentially block the Maldives' Huvadhu Channel and Kaashidhoo Channel.
"This means war is coming very close to our region, or war entering directly among us. Therefore, we are in a state of great concern and anxiety. I believe we must all remain vigilant about what could happen if those two straits are opened," Nasheed said.
Highlighting the need to rely more heavily on neighbouring India and other allied nations for the safety and security of the Maldives, Nasheed stressed the importance of engaging in meaningful dialogue with India. He added that it is crucial to be prepared for any eventualities.
Nasheed predicted that as global traders seek new routes due to the closure of the Red Sea and Gulf regions, the trade route from Mombasa to the Maldives and from the Maldives to Jakarta will gain significance. He noted that new opportunities would arise to transport Western goods to the East via African land routes, and that the Maldives could benefit from the new trade corridors emerging from the Middle East conflicts.
Discussing the vulnerability of Maldivian maritime territory, Nasheed remarked that the Kaashidhoo and Huvadhu Channels are locations where a small group of people could easily cause disruptions.
"Even about twelve people in a speedboat armed with AK-47s could obstruct traffic in these two channels. To prevent this, global superpowers and middle powers must bring substantial military equipment into the Indian Ocean," Nasheed said.
Identifying the spread of extremism in the Maldives as a major threat to national security, Nasheed stated that since militant groups emerge from such radicalised factions, special attention must be given to addressing this issue.
Nasheed concluded by stating that weapons alone cannot solve all problems in the Indian Ocean. He emphasised that the most important task is to properly monitor society and establish a peaceful environment rather than confront conflicts.
