News Highlight
India-Maldives bilateral relations: India must strengthen ties with the Maldives without taking sides in domestic politics.
Key Takeaway
- The Republic of Maldives is arguably the most strategically important of India’s neighbours.
India-Maldives bilateral relations
- Background
- In August 2022, the President of the Maldives visited India to strengthen geopolitical, security, and economic ties between the geographically and economically dependent South Asian neighbours.
- The visit occurred during a tumultuous time for the country and its common neighbour, Sri Lanka, experiencing economic and political turmoil.
- Major General Abdulla Shamaal, Chief of the Maldives National Defence Forces, visited India in July 2022 to expand defence cooperation between the neighbouring countries.
- In February 2020, the Home Ministers of both countries met and discussed security and law enforcement cooperation.
- In 2018, the Indian Prime Minister visited the Maldives to witness the inauguration of the newly elected Maldives President.
- President Solih visited India in 2018 and reaffirmed the Maldives’ India-first policy.
- In August 2022, the President of the Maldives visited India to strengthen geopolitical, security, and economic ties between the geographically and economically dependent South Asian neighbours.
Importance of Maldives for India
- Firstly, the Maldives’ proximity to India’s west coast (only 70 nautical miles from Minicoy and 300 nautical miles from India’s west coast).
- Its location is at the crossroads of commercial sea lanes that run through the Indian Ocean (particularly the 8° N and 12° N channels).
- Located between the world’s busiest trade routes, the Malacca Strait and the Suez Canal.
- In addition, piracy and smuggling are issues.
- Maritime safety.
- ISIS influence leads to radicalisation.
- Chinese dominance and power.
- Political relations
- Firstly, after the Maldives gained independence in 1965, India was among the first countries to recognise it and establish diplomatic relations with it.
- In 1972, India established a CDA mission and a resident High Commissioner in 1980.
- In November 2004, the Maldives established a full-fledged High Commission in New Delhi, one of the country’s only four diplomatic missions worldwide.
- During ‘Operation Cactus,’ India quickly assisted the Maldives in putting down a coup against an autocratic regime.
- Since establishing diplomatic relations, almost all India’s Prime Ministers have visited the Maldives.
- Defence relations
- Firstly, the Dornier aircraft was completed in 2020.
- The Maldivian defence forces will command the 25 unarmed personnel.
- In addition, India will only cover the logistics costs of the aircraft and Indian military personnel; the Maldives will operate the Dornier aircraft.
- In 2021, the Uthuru Thilafalhu (UTF) agreement was signed.
- India will assist the Maldives in developing and maintaining a coastguard harbour and dockyard, providing professional, technical, and logistical support for 15 years.
- Additionally, allowing the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to dock, maintain, and repair its coast guard vessels to help improve maritime security.
- Furthermore, to strengthen the defence partnership, a Comprehensive Action Plan for Defense was signed in 2016.
- Cultural Relations
- With a total population of around 28000, Indians are the Maldives’ second largest expatriate community, comprising doctors, nurses and technicians, teachers, construction workers, tailors, and others.
- Furthermore, a Maldivian rock band performed at the South Asian Bands Festival in New Delhi in 2009.
Challenges in India-Maldives Relations
- Anti-India sentiments
- The ‘India Out’ campaign has effectively coordinated between various sources, including political parties, social media, media, and China, and has heightened anti-India sentiments more than ever before.
- Political Instability
- The impact of political instability in the region on India’s security and development has been a significant source of concern.
- Radicalisation
- Over the last decade, the number of Maldivians drawn to terrorist organisations such as the Islamic State (IS) and Pakistan-based jihadist groups has grown.
- Chinese investments and activities in Maldives
- China’s political and financial links and incentives have continued to benefit China and its geopolitical ambitions.
Way Forward
- Firstly, India is still a significant partner for the Maldives, but it must not become complacent in its position or lose track of what is happening there.
- In addition, India must play a vital role within the Indo-Pacific security space to ensure regional security in South Asia and its maritime borders.
- Maldives should focus on its ‘India First’ policy to strengthen relations.
- Finally, the ‘India Out’ campaign currently has a small number of supporters, but the Indian government cannot take this for granted.
Pic Courtesy: Economic Times
Content Source: The Hindu