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Contents
- 1 News & Context
- 2 What is the Historical Background of India-Maldives Relations?
- 3 What is the Significance of Maldives for India?
- 4 What have been the areas of Co-operation between India and Maldives?
- 5 What are the Challenges in India-Maldives Relations?
- 6 What Should be the Way forward for India-Maldives Relations?
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News & Context
India-Maldives relations has become a major challenge for India’s foreign policy establishment. In the recently concluded Maldivian Presidential elections, the Challenger candidate Dr. Mohamed Muizzu defeated President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The Maldivian Presidential election was being seen as a tussle between India First vs India out campaigns. The victory of Mohamed Muizzu is being seen as Victory of India Out Campaign.
What is the ‘India out’ Campaign and ‘India First’ Policy?
| India Out Campaign | ‘India Out’ campaign-It is a political movement to mobilise people in Maldives against India. The campaign is against the presence of Indian military on Maldivian soil. The campaign got louder around key bilateral developments such as the signing of the Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) harbour development deal with India in February 2021 & India’s announcement of the opening of a consulate in the southern Addu Atoll. |
| Supporters of the Campaign- Abdulla Yameen who was the President of Maldives from 2013-2018 joined the campaign. Yameen was Pro-China during his tenure. Yameen signed FTA with China and gave ultimatum to India to withdraw two Indian helicopters from the strategically important Laamu and Addu atolls. The current president designate Dr. Mohamed Muizzu rallied support around the ‘India Out’ campaign. | |
| India First Policy | India First Policy- Maldives preference for India as the first choice in security partnership, socio-development assistance and COVID response(Vaccines). |
| Proponent of the Policy- Ibrahim Mohamed Solih after he became the president in 2018 adopted the India First Policy. This Policy aimed to reverse the anti-India policies of Yameen between 2013-2018. |
What is the Historical Background of India-Maldives Relations?
India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious, and commercial connections that date back to ancient times. The name Maldives is believed to be of Sanskrit origin (Mala (garland) + Dweep (Island)). The islands are believed to have been inhabited as early as 5th century BC by settlers from Sri Lanka and Southern India. There were close trade relationships between India and Maldives during ancient and medieval times.
Historical Evolution of India-Maldives Relations
| 1965 | In 1965, Maldives gained Independence from the British. India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Maldives. Indian Mission was set up in Male in 1972. |
| 1978 | In 1978, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom took charge in Maldives. Gayoom made many visits to India which strengthened India-Maldives ties. |
| 1988 | In 1988, India sent its troops and ships to help Gayoom overthrow a coup attempt by a Maldives businessman and Sri Lankan Tamil fighters. |
| 2008 | In 2008, Mohamed Nasheed was elected President. During his tenure, India began closer security cooperation with Maldives. India loaned 2 helicopters, dornier aircraft and patrol boats to Maldives. These were for maritime reconnaissance, surveillance and coast guard security ops. |
| 2013 | In 2013, Abdulla Yameen of the opposition PPM was elected to power. The Presidential Period of Yameen saw major strains in the India-Maldives ties. India raised objections to Yameen’s imposition of emergency. Yameen adopted pro-China policies. Yameen signed FTA with China & invited Chinese companies in for a number of major investments including the Hullumale island housing projects and friendship bridge. On the other hand Yameen threatened to evict Indian pilots and personnel from Maldives. |
| 2018 | In 2018, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won the presidential elections by defeating Yameen. He adopted India-First Policy. India was invited to start many infrastructure projects including the $500mn Greater Male connectivity project. In 2021, India-Maldives signed the Uthuru Thilafalhu project to maintain a coastguard harbour base for India. This sparked the India Out campaign. |
The election of Dr. Mohamed Muizzu who rallied support around the ‘India Out’ campaign will test the friendly India-Maldives relations. New Delhi is anxiously watching the developments in Maldives.
Read More- Forum IAS
What is the Significance of Maldives for India?
Maldives holds enormous significance for India. The Significance of Maldives for India is mentioned below-
Geo-Economic Significance- Maldives is strategically located at the crossroads of several important trade routes that run through the Indian Ocean. 50% of India’s external trade and 80% of India’s energy imports transit through the Sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) in the vicinity of the Maldives.
Geo-Political Significance- Maldives has been a partner of India in many regional groupings. Maldives is a member of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), SAARC, SASEC and SAGAR initiative of India. Maldives supports India’s permanent membership of UNSC.
Security Significance- For India, Maldives is the first line of defence against terrorism, piracy on the high seas, drug trafficking, narcotics, and other maritime crime. Maldives geographical location makes it a ‘toll gate’ between the choke points of the western Indian Ocean (Gulf of Aden and the Strait of Hormuz) and the eastern Indian Ocean (Strait of Malacca).
Indian Diaspora Significance- There is a sizeable Indian Diaspora in Maldives. Numerous Indians are employed in Maldives’ education, medical care systems, tourism and hospitality sector.
What have been the areas of Co-operation between India and Maldives?
India has been a major partner of Maldives in its development journey. The major areas of cooperation between India and Maldives are mentioned below-
Economic Cooperation- The economic co-operation between India and Maldives is a major pillar of cooperation between India and Maldives. Mentioned below are some of the economic cooperation pillars-
(a) $500 million in grants and financing to support maritime connectivity.
(b)$ 800-million line of credit from the Export-Import Bank of India
(c)India is Maldives’ 2nd largest trading partner.
(d) Maldives is an important tourist destination for many Indians. Tourism is the backbone of Maldives economy.
Infrastructure Cooperation- Development of sustainable infrastructure in Maldives is one of the main goals of India. India is developing many infrastructure projects in Maldives some of which are mentioned below-
(a)India is developing the Greater Male Connectivity Project- one the largest project infrastructure project in Maldives. The project aims to connect Male to Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi islands through a series of bridges, causeways and roads. The project is crucial for the proposed Gulhifalhu Port.It will be a major catalyst for the Maldivian economy in the future through jobs and economic activity.
(b)India is undertaking Airport Redevelopment Project at the Hanimaadhoo International Airport.
(c)India is undertaking the development of strategic harbour projects like Uthuru Thila Falhu Project(UTF). It will serve as a harbour for the coast guard of the Maldives National Defence Force
(d)India has also undertaken the design and construction of 61 police infrastructures across Maldives. This will contribute to improved access to policing and will ensure the safety and security of the communities in the islands.
Military and Security Cooperation- Maldives relies heavily on trilateral maritime security cooperation with India and Sri Lanka. Hence securing the maritime borders of Maldives is one of the foremost priorities of Indian Government. The major areas of Military and security co-operation are as follows-
(a)India and Maldives co-operate in maritime security, maritime domain awareness and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
(b)India has donated Landing Assault Craft and 24 Utility Vehicles to Maldives in order to bolster maritime security.
(c)India has signed a comprehensive Action Plan for Defence in April 2016 to consolidate India-Maldives defence partnership.
(d)India provides the largest number of training opportunities for Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF), meeting around 70% of their defence training requirements.
(e)India and Maldives conduct many security Joint Exercises like “Ekuverin”, “Dosti”, “Ekatha” and “Operation Shield”.
(f)India launched the Operation Cactus in 1988 to help the government of Maldives in the neutralizing the coup attempt.
Humanitarian Assistance Cooperation- India has always lent a helping hand to Maldives in humanitarian assistance. Mentioned below are some of the examples of humanitarian assistance
(a) India has signed an MoU with Maldives for High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) in 2019. A number of socio-economic development projects are planned to be implemented in Maldives through these projects.
(b) India has provided 100,000 Covishield vaccines to Maldives in January 2021 during the peak of the pandemic. Through Operation Sanjeevani, India supplied 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines to Maldives in the fight against COVID 19. India has handed over two sea ambulances to the Ministry of Defence of Maldives.
(e) India provided assistance to Maldives during recovery efforts after the 2004 Tsunami. India also helped address the shortage of drinking water in Maldives in 2014 through Operation Neer.
What are the Challenges in India-Maldives Relations?
India-Maldives relations suffer from a lot of challenges. Some of which are mentioned below-
Political Challenges- The president elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the former president Abdulla Yameen have been vocal advocates in the ‘India Out‘ Campaign. Both leaders are opposed to India’s military presence in Maldives. Since they will be wielding power in Maldives, it will become a major challenge for India.
Radicalisation- A large number of Maldive citizens had joined violent extremist organisations such as the Islamic State (IS). There has been a steady rise in recruits joining jihadi groups in Pakistan over the last decade. There is now a greater risk that terrorist organisations based in Pakistan will use Maldives as a staging ground for attacks on India and Indian assets.
Growing Chinese Influence- China has enhanced its influence in Maldives. Maldives is an essential ‘pearl’ in China’s ‘String of Pearls’ initiative in South Asia. With the return of pro-chinese government in Maldives, India’s diplomatic space will reduce in the region.
Climate Change- As both India and Maldives are low-lying island nations, they are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and marine heatwaves. Maldives faces the risk of submergence.
What Should be the Way forward for India-Maldives Relations?
Engage with the newly elected government- India must engage with the newly elected government of Maldives and address its concerns. India must convey that the projects being undertaken are for the general good of the people of Maldives. Ex- The redevelopment project at Hanimadhoo will improve tourist inflow as both the runway and terminal capacity will be increased. Tourism is the mainstay of Maldives econnomy.
Increase the development assistance- India should increase development assistance to Maldives. India should target projects that have larger impact on general population of Maldives. This will enhance India’s goodwill among the people of Maldives. It will address concerns that have led to ‘India Out’ Campaigns.
Timely Completion of Infrastructure Projects- Timely completion of infrastructure projects being undertaken by India like the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) will offer a credible and lucrative alternatives to Chinese projects.
Target Youth Employment- India’s High Impact Community Development Projects (HICPs) in Maldives must include projects that aim to improve employability and foster entrepreneurship among the youth. This will help in countering the threats of radicalisation and extremism emanating from the soil.
The newly elected regime of Maldives must understand that China’s entry in Maldives is solely to advance its own gains. A strong relationship with India will be to Maldives’s benefit.
Read More- Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus- India and neighbourhood relations
