News Highlight
In a bid to strengthen ties, India and Maldives on January 18 signed pacts on development projects.
Key Takeaway
- The agreement includes a grant of 100 million Rufiyaa [Maldivian currency] for the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) plan.
- These funds will be used to implement several countrywide socio-economic development projects.
- It also featured the construction of a sports centre in Gahdhoo, as well as academic collaboration between the Maldives National University and the Cochin University of Science and Technology.
India and Maldives relations
- About
- India and the Maldives have long-standing ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious, and commercial ties, and their relations are close, cordial, and multifaceted.
- India was among the first countries to recognise and establish diplomatic ties with the Maldives following its independence in 1965.
- In 1972, India created 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 posts overseas.
Cooperation Between India & Maldives
- Security Cooperation
- Throughout the decades, India has provided emergency aid to the Maldives whenever requested.
- Under Operation Cactus, India sent paratroopers and Navy warships to restore legitimate leadership.
- India and the Maldives conduct the combined military exercise ‘Ekuverin’.
- The Colombo Security Conclave, a marine security grouping of India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Mauritius, aims to strengthen the collaboration among these Indian Ocean countries on maritime and security issues.
- During the fifth meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave’s national security advisers, Mauritius was admitted as a new member.
- Disaster Management
- India also jumped into action when a disaster occurred, such as a tsunami in 2004 and the Male water crisis a decade later.
- Among India’s neighbouring nations, the Maldives has been one of the greatest recipients of Covid-19 aid and vaccines.
- The Maldives was the first to benefit from India’s Vaccine Maitri programme.
- People-to-People Contact: Maldivian students study in India while patients fly here for super speciality healthcare, thanks to India’s great visa-free environment.
- Economic Collaboration: Tourism is the backbone of the Maldivian economy. For some Indians, the country is now a major tourism destination, while for others, it is an employment destination.
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 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: Indian Express