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India Maldives Relations

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15 Jan 2024 7 min read

Tags: GS Paper - 2 Bilateral Groupings & Agreements

Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's Interests

Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests Important International Institutions
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 For Prelims: India Maldives Relations, Vajrayana Buddhism, Neighbourhood First policy,
Operation Cactus

For Mains: Present Concerns Related to Tourism between India and Maldives, Major Aspects
of India and Maldives Relations

Source: TH

Why in News?
The Maldives has recently found itself in the midst of diplomatic turmoil, raising questions about its
relations with India through undiplomatic remarks, military positioning, and the scrapping of crucial
agreements.

Maldives has also signed new deals with China, further complicating the
geopolitical landscape.

What are the Major Points Related to India and Maldives Relations?

Historical Ties: The diplomatic and political relationship between India and
the Maldives dates back to 1965 when the British relinquished control of the
islands.

Since the democratic transition in 2008, India has invested years in

building deep relationships with various stakeholders in the Maldives,
including political, military, business, and civil society +gures.

Bengaluru Chennai
Mangaluru
aborielod woreod
о
Mysuru
Vellore
agrad
Kozhikode
TAMILNADU
о

Kochi Madurai
LAKSHADWEEP
ㅇ ㅇ
KERALA

о
Nagercoil
SriLanka
Colombo

LaccadiveSea
:
 Eydhafushi

Rasdhoo.Male
Dhangethi

Kudahuvadhoo

Gan

Thinadhoo

Fuvahmulah

Maldives

Maldives' SigniTcance for India:

Strategic Location: Located south of India, the Maldives holds immense

strategic importance in the Indian Ocean, acting as a gateway to the
Arabian Sea and beyond.

This allows India to monitor maritime traVc and enhance regional

security.

Cultural Link: India and Maldives share a deep cultural and historical
connection dating back centuries.

Until the +rst half of the 12th century, Buddhism was the principal
religion in the Maldivian islands.

There is an inscription of Vajrayana Buddhism, that had existed in

the Maldives in ancient times.
:
 the Maldives in ancient times.

Regional Stability: A stable and prosperous Maldives aligns with India's

"Neighbourhood First" policy, promoting peace and security in the Indian
Ocean region.

India’s SigniTcance for Maldives:

Essential Supplies: 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.

Education: India serves as the primary education provider for Maldivian

students who pursue higher education in Indian institutions, including
scholarships for deserving students.

Disaster Assistance: 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.

Security Provider: 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”.

India's Dominance in Maldives Tourism: Indian tourists have become the

leading source market for the Maldives since the Covid-19 pandemic. In
2023, they accounted for a signiTcant 11.2% of total tourist arrivals,
amounting to 18.42 lakh visitors.

INDIANSTRAVELLING
:
 INDIANSTRAVELLING
TOTHEMALDIVES

TouristShare*
20232,06,02611.18%
20222,41,38214.41%
20212,91,78722.07%
202062,96011.33%
20191,66,0309.75%
201890,474 6.10%

SEARCH WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR:

:
 Note
Eight Degree Channel separates Indian Minicoy (part of Lakshadweep Islands) from that of
Maldives.

What are the Major Challenges Related to India Maldives Relations?

India-Out Campaign: In recent years, Maldivian politics has witnessed a

campaign centered on an "India Out" platform, branding Indian presence as a
threat to Maldivian sovereignty.

Key campaign points include the demand for the withdrawal of Indian
military personnel.

Current Maldives’ President has set a deadline of 15th March, 2024, for the
withdrawal of Indian troops.

Tourism Strain: The tourism scenario in the Maldives has gained signi+cant
focus due to a diplomatic dispute arising from disparaging comments
directed at| IAS
Karol Bagh theGS
Indian Prime
Foundation Minister
Course after
| 29 May, his promotional visit to the
6 PM
 Call Us
Lakshadweep islands.

Consequently, a boycott Maldives trend has been goating social media as

a response to the controversy.

China’s Rising In_uence in Maldives: Chinese is becoming increasingly

visible in the Maldives. The Maldives' proximity to key shipping lanes and
India makes it strategically important for China, potentially fueling its
 interest in deeper engagement.

It has caused unease in India and could lead to a regional geopolitical

contest.


What are the Key Takeaways From Recent China-Maldives Deals?
:
 What are the Key Takeaways From Recent China-Maldives Deals?
 Elevation of Bilateral Ties:

 China and Maldives announced the elevation of their countries' ties

to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, signifying
 the deepening of their relationship.

Key Agreements:

Belt and Road Initiative: The nations will jointly accelerate the
formulation of the Cooperation Plan on the Belt and Road Initiative,
fostering connectivity and infrastructure development.

Tourism Cooperation: Both countries pledged to strengthen

collaboration in the tourism sector, recognizing its signi+cance to
the Maldives' economy.

Disaster Risk Reduction: The agreements encompass cooperation in

disaster risk reduction, emphasizing joint efforts to address and
mitigate the impact of natural disasters.

Blue Economy: They expressed their commitment to advancing

cooperation in the blue economy, focusing on sustainable use of
ocean resources.

Digital Economy: Efforts to strengthen investments in the digital

economy were underscored.

Economic Assistance:

China has extended support to the Maldives by providing grant

assistance, although the speci+c amount remains undisclosed. T

The agreements also highlight the importance of China-Maldives

trade, with bilateral trade in 2022 totaling USD 451.29 million.
:
Conclusion

The Maldives government taking swift action by suspending ministers

regects an effort to manage the crisis. Therefore, both countries should
engage in regular diplomatic dialogue to rebuild trust. Cooperating on
shared concerns, addressing grievances and emphasizing the long-standing
ties that have bene+ted both nations can pave the way for a diplomatic
resolution.

India – Maldives Diplomatic Row । In News । Drishti IAS En…

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Mains
Q. Discuss the political developments in the Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of
any cause for concern to India? (2013)

Tell us what you think!

53 Responses
:
 This helped! Food for I still have
thought.. doubts!

Can do Spotted Update

better.. something!! needed..

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