When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Maldives last week, geopolitical issues - such as maritime security, infrastructure development, climate change and defence collaboration - dominated discussions. But what also made the cut was an unlikely soft power element: cricket.
Deploying its status as a global cricketing power, India made an offer to promote the sport across the Indian Ocean archipelago through professional coaching, exposure for Maldivian players in Indian tournaments and the development of cricketing infrastructure, including a stadium, on the islands.
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