INDIA-MALDIVES RELATIONS

Why in the news?

During a three-day visit to the Maldives, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with President Mohamed Muizzu and emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations in light of recent diplomatic tensions.

Evolution of India-Maldives Relations:

1965: The diplomatic and political relationship between India and the Maldives began in 1965 when the British handed over control of the islands and the Gayoom regime came to power.

1988: Coup attempt against the regime of Gayoom President and with the help of India the coupe attempt was eventually thwarted. This is also known as Operation Cactus.

2008: President Nasheed came to power and during his regime, there was security cooperation between India and Maldives.

2013: President Yamin came to power who had a pro-China stance and he signed a FTA with China and also he allowed China to invest in Maldives.

2018: President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had a stance of India First Policy and encouraged India to invest in Maldives and the relations between India and Maldives improved. Therefore, the Greater Male Connectivity Project, and Uthuru Thila Falhu project to maintain coastguard bases came to light.

2021: India Out Campaign initiated by the current elected president Mohamed Muizzu, essentially to call India to remove its military presence from Males.

Significance of Maldives :

Geo-Economic Significance :

• The Maldives, which lies south of India, is strategically important in the Indian Ocean, serving as a gateway to the Arabian Sea and beyond.
• 80 per cent of India’s energy imports through Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs) near Maldives.
• India is 2nd largest trade partner of Maldives
• Infrastructure projects are initiated by India in Maldives

Geo-Political Significance :

• Maldives is a member of many regional organizations in which India has a significant say like the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), SAARC, SAGAR
• It also supports the permanent membership of India in the United Nations Security Council

Cultural Connection:

• India and the Maldives have a rich cultural and historical bond that spans centuries. Until the first half of the 12th century, Buddhism was the dominant religion in the Maldivian islands. There is an inscription that indicates the presence of Vajrayana Buddhism in the Maldives during ancient times.

Security Significance :

• Maldives acts like the first line of defense against terrorism, piracy on the high seas, drug trafficking, narcotics etc.
• Maldives acts like a toll gate between choke points of the Indian Ocean region.
• Exercises conducted between India and Maldives: Ekuverin, Dosti, Operation Shield

Diaspora :

• India has been sending humanitarian assistance to Maldives. India has been investing in – High Impact Community Development Projects, Operation Sanjeev ani
• Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Indian tourists have emerged as the largest source market for the Maldives. In 2023, they represented a notable 11.2% of total tourist arrivals, totaling 1.842 million visitors.

Challenges Related to India-Maldives Relation :

1. Political Challenges: In recent years, Maldivian politics has seen a campaign focused on an “India Out” agenda, portraying the Indian presence as a threat to Maldivian sovereignty.
2. Radicalization: There is a threat of the Maldives’ population joining a radical organization like ISIS, the terrorist group in Pakistan
3. Growing China Influence: The Maldives’ close proximity to crucial shipping lanes and India enhances its strategic significance for China, likely intensifying its interest in establishing a deeper relationship.
4. Climate Change: It is a low-lying island so it may lead to submergence of islands due to rising sea levels.

Way forward :

1. India can invest on more development infrastructure in Maldives which will have larger impact and can earn goodwill globally. Infrastructure projects should not delayed and hence can earn more accountability.
2. The relationship between India and the Maldives is crucial for the stability of the Indo-Pacific region and its maritime security. Under the government’s “Neighborhood First” strategy, India remains a committed development partner for a secure, prosperous, and peaceful Maldives. At the same time, the Maldives should uphold its “India First” policy to maintain a strategic sense of comfort in their relations.

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