| Introduction: Give context of the question Body: How can India strengthen its ties with Maldives Conclusion: Way forward |
India can strengthen its diplomatic and developmental ties with the Maldives by employing a multifaceted approach that encompasses political, economic, cultural, and security cooperation. The Maldives holds strategic importance for India, and fostering strong ties with the island nation is vital.
Some of the ways to strengthen ties with Maldives
- Economic cooperation: The Indian government could Encourage Indian businesses to invest in key sectors in the Maldives, such as tourism, fisheries, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Maldives has emerged as a major tourist destination for some Indians and a job destination for others. Eg, Greater Male Connectivity Project will add dynamism to the Maldivian transport and economic activities.
- Security cooperation: Both nations can cooperate to Strengthen maritime security cooperation to combat piracy, illegal fishing, and other transnational threats in the Indian Ocean. India provides the largest number of training opportunities for the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF), to enhance their capacity for maritime surveillance and border control.
- Infrastructure development: India needs to increase its development assistance in Maldives which estimates suggest was over 1100 crore during 2018-22. India has invested heavily in projects like water and sanitation, an Addu development project, a cancer hospital, a port project, a cricket stadium, two airport development projects, causeways, and roads, social housing projects, renovation of a mosque, building the national college for police, among others.
- 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.
- Respect Maldives sovereignty: India should be sensitive to Maldivian concerns about sovereignty and interference, emphasizing its commitment to respecting the Maldives’ independence and supporting its development goals.
Conclusion
India should continue its development work and numerous small community projects such as building community centres, children’s parks, and student ferries between islands to build a positive mindset in the minds of Maldives citizens towards India. India should maintain its traditional commitment to fostering a multipolar and rule-based global order by adopting an accommodating approach in its relations with neighbouring countries.
