Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

India and Maldives share deep historical, cultural, and strategic ties. However, recent fluctuations in their relationship, driven by geopolitical shifts (increasing China’s influence) and domestic political changes (India out campaigns in 2022), have impacted regional stability and cooperation.

Body

Strategic Significance of Maldives for India:

• Geopolitical Importance
  • Proximity to India: Located near India’s Lakshadweep Islands, Maldives is crucial for India’s maritime security.
  • Maritime Trade Routes: The Maldives lies along major sea lanes that facilitate global trade, including India’s energy imports from the Middle East.
    • The Eight-Degree Channel and One-and-a-Half-Degree Channel are critical for monitoring maritime traffic, preventing piracy, and countering external threats.

• Security and Defense Cooperation
  • Joint Military Exercises: India and Maldives conduct joint military exercises like Ekuverin, Dosti, and Ekatha to strengthen security ties.
  • Strategic Infrastructure: India has developed coastal radar systems and built the Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) naval harbor to enhance Maldives’ maritime security.
  • First Responder Role: India has historically been the first responder in Maldivian crises, such as Operation Cactus (1988) and Operation Neer (2014).
• Economic and Developmental Cooperation
  • Tourism and Trade: India was the largest source of tourists for Maldives from 2020-2023, contributing significantly to its economy.
    • Bilateral trade has also grown, with India emerging as Maldives’ second-largest trade partner in 2023.
  • Infrastructure Development: The Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) is the largest infrastructure project in Maldives, funded by India.
    • Other projects include the Hanimaadhoo International Airport development.
• Countering China’s Influence
  • China’s Strategic Presence: China’s investments in Maldives, including participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), have raised concerns about debt dependency and strategic encirclement of India.
  • ‘String of Pearls’ Strategy: Chinese-funded projects, such as the Sinamale Bridge and port development, indicate increasing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean region.

Challenges in India-Maldives Relations:

• Political Instability in Maldives:
  • Shifts in leadership often impact Maldives’ foreign policy. The pro-China stance of President Mohamed Muizzu has led to reduced Indian engagement.
  • The "India Out" campaign (2022-23) reflected rising anti-India sentiments, demanding the withdrawal of Indian military personnel.
• Growing Chinese Influence:
  • Maldives’ participation in China’s BRI and increasing Chinese investments raise concerns about strategic dependency on Beijing.
  • The 2017 Maldives-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and recent China-Maldives tourism cooperation signal shifting alliances.
• Security Threats:
  • Presence of radical elements and potential external influence from Pakistan-based extremist groups pose security risks for both India and Maldives.
  • Increased Chinese military activities in the Indian Ocean challenge India’s strategic interests.
• Declining Indian Tourism:
  • The diplomatic row following derogatory remarks by Maldivian officials in 2024 led to a decline in Indian tourist arrivals.
  • Competition from other markets like China and the UK has reduced India’s economic leverage in Maldives.

Measures for Strengthening India-Maldives Relations:

• Diplomatic and Political Engagement
  • High-Level Dialogues: Strengthening diplomatic outreach through frequent high-level visits and strategic dialogues.
  • Bilateral Agreements: Reviving key agreements on defense, trade, and infrastructure to maintain India’s strategic role.
• Security and Strategic Cooperation
  • Defense Infrastructure Development: Expediting key projects like the UTF Harbour Project and expanding military training programs.
  • Enhanced Maritime Surveillance: Strengthening naval cooperation and intelligence sharing to counter external threats.
  • Trilateral Cooperation: Engaging Maldives and Sri Lanka in trilateral maritime security initiatives.
• Economic and Infrastructure Assistance
  • Diversifying Investments: Expanding India’s role in Maldives’ economic sectors beyond tourism, such as fisheries and renewable energy.
  • Accelerating Connectivity Projects: Ensuring timely completion of the Greater Male Connectivity Project and other critical infrastructure.
• Countering China’s Influence
  • Debt Relief and Financial Assistance: Providing alternative financing to help Maldives reduce its dependence on Chinese loans.
  • Strategic Regional Partnerships: Encouraging Maldives’ participation in Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and other multilateral forums.

Conclusion

Maldives is a key strategic partner for India in the Indian Ocean region. While recent fluctuations in bilateral ties have posed challenges, India must adopt a pragmatic and accommodative approach to maintain its influence.