India and Maldives Relations – History and Present Situation

India-Maldives relations is a bilateral one. India and Maldives have a long and friendly history. They’ve been friends for a very long time, trading goods and sharing their cultures. India has helped the Maldives in times of trouble, making their bond even stronger. Nowadays, they work together on economic and defense matters, always supporting each other. Their friendship is built on history and shared goals for the region’s well-being.

In this article, we will discuss the bilateral relationship between India and Maldives, its history, Economic Cooperation, Strategic Defense Partnerships, Challenges, and current situation or present scenario.

India Maldives Relations

India-Maldives relations are characterized by historical ties, cultural affinities, and strategic collaboration. India assists in the Maldives’ development through projects in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Defense cooperation increases security, and people-to-people contacts contribute to a valued partnership, mutual growth, and stability in the Indian Ocean region. In this article, we will discuss the historical ties, economic cooperation, infrastructure projects, strategic defense partnerships, the importance of India Maldives Relations, and the challenges.

Historical Ties between India and Maldives

India and Maldives share Maritime borders India provides financial aid and provide security to Maldives The historical ties between the two nations.

• Maldives got its independence from British rule in 1965 India was the first country to recognize Maldives as a Nation.
• In 1988 India helped President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to overthrow a coup by sending troops to Maldives.
• India gave two helicopters, petrol boats, and Dornier aircraft to Maldives for surveillance and coast guard security operations.
• In 2013, Abdulla Yameen was elected as President of Maldives. He imposed an emergency in the country and followed pro-China policies.
• In 2018, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih adopted the India-First Policy.

Economic Cooperation of India and Maldives

The economic relation between India and Maldive are as follows:

• The Maldives’ economy is mainly based on tourism. Indians travel mostly for tourism, while some go there in search of employment.
• The largest-ever infrastructure project in the Maldives, the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), was signed in August 2021 by an Indian company called Afcons.
• On July 22, 2019, the Maldives Monetary Authority and the Reserve Bank of India struck a bilateral agreement regarding currency swapping in USD.
• Maldives-China Free-Trade Agreement (FTA) 2017 caused a deterioration in relations with India.

Infrastructure Projects of India in Maldives

Some infrastructural projects by India in Maldives are as follows:

• A new terminal in Hanimaadhoo International Airport is a part of the development project funded by India that accommodates 1.3 million passengers annually.
• India’s Minister of External Affairs dedicated the National College for Policing and Law Enforcement (NCPLE) in 2022.

Strategic Defense Partnerships Between India and Maldives

Strategic defense relationships of India and Maldives can be understood from the following:

• In 2016, a comprehensive Defense Action Plan was signed to strengthen defense cooperation.
• India Maldives conduct joint military exercises “Ekuverin,” “Dosti,” “Ekatha,” and “Operation Shield”.
• India provides defense training to the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF).

Developmental Projects

Some developmental projects by India in Maldives are as follows:

• The Maldives Institute of Technical Education (Maldives Polytechnic) and the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital are the two main development assistance projects that India has completed.
• Technology Adoption Program in the Maldives’ Education Sector, India-Maldives Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism Studies, National Center for Police and Law Enforcement (NCPLE)

Disaster relief

Some disaster relief assistance by India to Maldives are as follows:

• India was the first country to assist the Maldives during the Tsunami in 2004 and the water crisis in Malé in 2014.
• India has grown its image as the first responder by providing the Maldives with prompt and complete assistance since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Importance of Maldives for India

Importance of Maldives for India can be described as follows:

• Geo-Economic Importance: The Maldives enjoy a strategic location at the intersection of multiple major commercial routes that cross the Indian Ocean. 50% of India’s foreign trade and 80% of India’s energy imports travel through the Sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) in the region of the Maldives.

• Geopolitical Importance: India has partnered with the Maldives in numerous regional groupings. The Maldives is a part of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), SAARC, SASEC, and the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC). Maldives is in favor of India being a permanent member of the UNSC.
• Importance for Security : The Maldives serves as India’s first line of defense against high-seas piracy, drug trafficking, drugs, terrorism, and other maritime crimes. The Maldives’ geographic location places it in a position as a “toll gate” between the Straits of Malacca and the Gulf of Aden, which are the choke points of the eastern Indian Ocean, and the western Indian Ocean.
• Importance of the Indian Diaspora: The Maldives is home to a big Indian Diaspora. There are a lot of Indians working in the Maldives’ tourism, hospitality, and medical industries.

Challenges in India-Maldives Relations

Chalenges in the relations of India and Maldives are as follows:

• Political obstacles : The ‘India Out’ Campaign received strong support from both former president Abdulla Yameen and president-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The anti-Indian sentiment is deep in both politicians’ positions.
• Extremism: A large number of Maldivian nationals have joined armed extremist groups like the Islamic State (IS). Over the past ten years, there has been a consistent increase in the number of recruits joining jihadi organizations in Pakistan. The likelihood of Pakistani-based terrorist groups using the Maldives as a launchpad for attacks on India and Indian resources has increased.
• Growing Influence in the Maldives : China’s influence has grown in the country. The Maldives is a crucial “pearl” in China’s South Asian “String of Pearls” initiative. India’s diplomatic sphere in the Maldives is going to shrink with the return of the pro-Chinese administration.
• Climate Change: Marine heatwaves and increasing sea levels are two effects of climate change that the low-lying island nations of India and the Maldives are vulnerable to. Submergence is a possibility for Maldives.

String of Pearls Strategic of China

The “String of Pearls” theory refers to China’s strategic geopolitical and economic initiatives to secure maritime routes and establish a network of naval bases and facilities in the Indian Ocean region. This concept involves China creating a series of ports, often referred to as “pearls,” along critical sea lanes, extending from the South China Sea to the Arabian Sea and beyond. These ports serve both economic and military purposes, enhancing China’s influence in the region.

The strategy aims to secure China’s energy imports, particularly oil and gas, by ensuring safe maritime passages and countering potential threats to its sea lines of communication. Additionally, the development of these ports provides China with strategic military advantages, allowing for power projection and naval presence far from its mainland.

Critics express concerns about the String of Pearls strategy, suggesting that it may lead to increased regional tensions and the militarization of key sea routes. This theory reflects China’s expanding global influence and its efforts to protect its economic interests through both economic and military means.

Conclusion

A combination of shifting leadership, common regional interests, and geopolitical forces can be seen in the development of India-Maldives ties. India has never shifted in its commitment to the Maldives and has never shied away from going above and beyond to promote friendship. Through recognition and resolution of these issues, India and the Maldives may effectively go through the complex nature of their relationship and establish a more solid, flexible, and mutually advantageous alliance going forward.

FAQs on India-Maldives Relations

What is the relation of India with Maldives?

India Maldive share historical, ethnic, cultural, economic bilateral relations.

Why is Indian Army in Maldives?

Indian Army is deployed in Maldivian region to provide training to the Maldivian troops.

Does India protect Maldives?

India does not protect Maldives directly, but has strong defense relations.

Are Maldivian people Indian?

Maldivian people historically belong to Indian subcontinent.

When did India save Maldives?

India launched Operation Cactus in 1988 to overthrow coup attempt.

Where is mini Maldives in India?

Floating Huts Eco Rooms Tehri in Uttarakhand is known as Mini Maldives in India.

What language is spoken in Maldives?

Dhivehi is spoken in Maldives.