Does BJP's polarising politics weaken India's strategic edge in Maldives?

Maldives crisis not just another fracas between political factions in a tiny nation. The archipelago has become a site where two Asian powers are jostling for strategic advantage

The Narendra Modi government is currently experiencing a near-perfect storm of domestic and foreign policy setbacks. The ruling BJP has been drubbed in recent parliamentary bypolls in Rajasthan after an underwhelming result in Gujarat elections. The economy continues to struggle with the effects of demonetisation and GST, global fuel prices are high, the stock market is wobbly, the Union budget disappointed even BJP’s supporters and remarks by Modi that making pakodas (fritters) constituted gainful employment for citizens has become a source of mirth and anger. 

The foreign affairs scene is not comforting either. China is reinforcing its military presence near