INDIA – MALDIVES RELATION
INDIA – MALDIVES RELATION
IN NEWS
- The dialogue touched on bilateral military exercises and was the first defence dialogue after India-Maldives relations witnessed strained ties earlier.
- Maldives President in pursuance of his "India Out" campaign had Indian military personnel withdraw from Maldives while also pursuing pro-China policies.
- However, recent deepening cooperation is in line with India’s External Affairs Minister’s recent visit to Maldives and Maldives President’s attendance at India's Prime Minister's oath ceremony.
SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIA-MALDIVES RELATIONS
- India is seen as a Net Security Provider in Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- India has been the first responder in crises in Maldives (Operation Neer in 2014 during water crisis, Vaccine Maitri during COVID-19 Pandemic).
- Maldives wants to reinstate India among the top three tourist markets (tourism is key to the Maldives economy).
- Recently, Maldives faced decline in tourist footfall from India.
IMPORTANCE OF MALDIVES TO INDIA
- India’s Neighbourhood First Policy (NFP): Maldives is one of the cornerstones of NFP, Vision SAGAR, India’s commitment to the Global South.
- Strategic location: It is located between major Indian Ocean chokepoints (Gulf of Aden, Strait of Hormuz and Strait of Malacca).
- First line of defence: Maldives serves as the first line of defence against various maritime threats such as terrorism, and piracy.
- Reducing the influence of China in the IOR.
INITIATIVES TO ENHANCE THE RELATIONS BETWEEN BOTH COUNTRIES
- India is building a new Coast Guard base at Uthuru Thilafalhu (UTF) atoll.
- India provides grant to Maldives for High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs).
- Greater Male Connectivity Project being developed by India is the Maldives' largest infrastructure project.
- Both the countries have an open skies arrangement and visa-free entry for tourism, medical and business purposes.