| Introduction: Give brief context to the question Body: Significance of India’s role in development & security of Maldives Conclusion: Way forward |
India’s role in the development and security of the Maldives is of great significance due to the proximity of the two nations, shared historical ties, and the strategic location of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean region.
Significance of India’s Role in the Maldives:
- Strategic Location: The Maldives are ideally situated in the Indian Ocean, a crucial maritime area. India included Maldives in its security calculations because of worries about maritime security and regional stability. India’s security interests must guarantee the security of the Maldives.
- Economic Assistance: The Maldives’ infrastructure and socioeconomic initiatives have benefited greatly from India’s contribution. This includes support for the development of infrastructure, healthcare, education, and capacity building, among other sectors.
- Security: India and the Maldives have collaborated to ensure security in the Indian Ocean. This is especially critical for the Maldives because of their susceptibility to maritime dangers like piracy and the difficulties brought on by climate change.
- Cultural and People-to-People Ties: India and the Maldives share strong historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties. This has facilitated a sense of trust and partnership between the two nations.
Ways to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
- Security Cooperation: To combat common marine security risks and problems like unlawful trafficking, piracy, and illegal and unregulated (or unreported) fishing, the Maldives mostly depends on maritime security cooperation with India. Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), maritime security, and marine domain awareness would all be strengthened by India and the Maldives through the implementation of ongoing programs and capacity-building activities.
- Infrastructure Cooperation: India is developing many infrastructure projects in Maldives like the Greater Male Connectivity Project, Airport Redevelopment Project & strategic harbour projects like the Uthuru Thila Falhu Project(UTF). Investments in areas like renewable energy, tourism, and fisheries can boost the Maldivian economy.
- People-to-people ties: Both nations can foster cultural exchange programs, such as art exhibitions, music festivals, and educational exchanges which can be used to promote tourism and encourage Maldivians to visit India for medical treatment, tourism, and education. India has reinforced its credentials to be the first responder for Maldives during times of crisis like COVID-19, tsunami crisis, and water scarcity.
- Strengthen regional diplomacy: The Colombo Security Conclave comprising India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh, and the Seychelles should be strengthened showing tangible outcomes in maritime security and the development of the Blue Economy.
Conclusion
It is essential for both countries that India contribute to the security and prosperity of the Maldives. To maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region, India and the Maldives can continue to cooperate by bolstering their bilateral connections through economic cooperation, security cooperation, climate change mitigation, and diplomacy.
