India Maldives relations

India Maldives relations

 

Why in the news?

  • India and the Maldives recently held a fresh round of "productive" defence dialogue with a focus on the situation in the Indian Ocean and ways to expedite implementation of ongoing defence projects.
  • The defence dialogue in Delhi took place nearly a month after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid a three-day visit to the Maldives, in the first high-level trip from New Delhi after the island nation's pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office.
  • The entire range of talks were productive which will advance shared interests of both the nations in near future and bring stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region,”.

 

Historical background of India and Maldives Relations

  • The relationship between India and the Maldives has evolved over the years, influenced by geopolitical, economic, and strategic considerations.
  • The Maldives gained independence from the British in 1965, and established diplomatic relations with India.
  •  The signing of the Maritime Boundary Agreement in 1979 helped define the maritime boundaries between the two countries.
  • The relationship faced challenges in 1988 when a coup attempt in the Maldives led to the intervention of Indian forces in Operation Cactus.
  •  In 2008, the Maldives experienced a peaceful political transition, and Mohamed Nasheed became the President.
  • The relationship faced challenges during the presidency of Abdulla Yameen, with concerns over issues such as democratic backsliding, human rights, and a perceived tilt towards China.
  • The Maldives’ growing engagement with China, including infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, raised strategic concerns for India.
  •  The election of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as the President of the Maldives in 2018 marked a shift in bilateral relations. There was a renewed emphasis on strengthening ties with India.

 

Geographic location of Maldives:

  • Maldives, an independent island country in the north-central Indian Ocean. It consists of a chain of about 1,200 small coral islands and sandbanks (some 200 of which are inhabited), grouped in clusters, or atolls.
  • Is strategically located at the crossroads of several important trade routes that run through the Indian Ocean.
  • 50% of India’s external trade and 80% of India’s energy imports transit through the Sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) in the vicinity of the Maldives.
  • It is a tourist paradise. Increasingly, its location near international sea lanes through which much of the world’s oil is transported has drawn attention to the archipelago’s immense strategic value
  • The Maldives is one of the world’s most geographically dispersed countries, and is a 99 per cent water-nation. it is also the smallest country in Asia and is categorised as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS).
  • Interestingly, with an average elevation of 1.5 metres (4 feet 11 inches), Maldives is the lowest-lying country on the planet. With the highest elevation being just 2.3 metres (7 feet 7 inches) above sea level, the archipelago has the world’s lowest naturally-occurring ‘highest-point’
  • In view of these natural traits, the existential threats from environmental catastrophes, such as tsunamis and sea-level rise, loom large over the Maldives.

 

Strategic Importance

 Economic:  Despite its small size, the Maldives is currently being wooed by a number of developed and developing countries. Because of Strategic Importance of the Geographic Location of the Maldives with respect to Key International Shipping Lanes (ISLs).

○The Indian Ocean is a key highway for global trade and energy flows. The Maldives is geographically positioned like a ‘toll gate’ between the western Indian Ocean chokepoints of the Gulf of Aden and the Strait of Hormuz on the one hand, and the eastern Indian Ocean chokepoint of the Strait of Malacca on the other.

Security: Maldives is important for political stability and security in the Indian Ocean Neighbourhood and protection of Indian trade and investment.

○They have a clear responsibility in maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean. India to see Maldives supporting the Pacific strategy of the Quad  a strategic arrangement between India, US, Japan and Australia.

Anti-terror Operations

  • It is standing With India in anti terror operations. Maldives is deeply affected by radical elements.
  • India and Maldives are also engaged in deep defence cooperation as well as in counterterrorism measures. Both sides held their meetingof the Joint Working Group on counterterrorism, countering violent extremism and de-radicalization.

Maldives' Significance for India:

  •  Located south of India, the Maldives holds immense strategic importance in the Indian Ocean, acting as a gateway to the Arabian Sea and beyond.
  •  India and Maldives share a deep cultural and historical connection dating back centuries.
  •  A stable and prosperous Maldives aligns with India's "Neighbourhood First" policy, promoting peace and security in the Indian Ocean region.

 

India’s Significance for Maldives:

  • India is a crucial supplier of everyday essentials, including rice, spices, fruits, vegetables, and medicines.
  • India also aids in building Maldivian infrastructure by providing materials like cement and rock boulders.
  •  India serves as the primary education provider for Maldivian students who pursue higher education in Indian institutions, including scholarships for deserving students.
  • India has been a consistent source of aid during crises, such as tsunamis and drinking water shortages.
  • The provision of essential items and support during the Covid-19 pandemic showcases India's role as a reliable partner.
  • India has a history of providing security assistance, intervening during a coup attempt in 1988 through Operation Cactus and conducting joint naval exercises for the protection of the Maldives.
  • Joint Exercises include- “Ekuverin”, “Dosti” and “Ekatha”.
  •  Indian tourists have become the leading source market for the Maldives since the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2023, they accounted for a significant 11.2% of total tourist arrivals, amounting to 18.42 lakh visitors.

 

Challenges in India-Maldives Relation:

  • India’s major concern has been the impact of political instability in the neighbourhood on its security and development.
  • The February 2015 arrest of Maldives’ opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed on terrorism charges and the consequent political crisis have posed a real diplomatic test for India’s neighbourhood policy.
  • In the past decade or so, the number of Maldivians drawn towards terrorist groups like the Islamic State (IS) and Pakistan-based madrassas and jihadist groups has been increasing.
  • This gives rise to the possibility of Pakistan based terror groups using remote Maldivian islands as a launch pad for terror attacks against India and Indian interests.
  • China’s strategic footprint in India’s neighbourhood has increased. The Maldives has emerged as an important ‘pearl’ in China’s “String of Pearls” construct in South Asia.
  • Given the uncertain dynamics of Sino-Indian relations, China’s strategic presence in the Maldives remains a concern.
  • Also, the Maldives have started using the China card to bargain with India.

 

Way Forward

  • India must continue to be an important partner of the Maldives and remain attentive to developments in the country.
  • India should play a key role in ensuring regional security in South Asia and the surrounding maritime boundaries within the Indo-Pacific security space.
  • The Indian government should not take the support of a limited population for granted and actively work towards strengthening ties with the Maldives.