Tension between India and Maldives- Choppy waters

Source: The post tension between India and Maldives has been created, based on the article “Choppy waters-India and the Maldives must persist with quiet diplomacy to reset ties” published in “The Hindu” on 25th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- International relations- India and its neighbourhood- relations.

News: India is concerned about the scheduled arrival of the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 in Male this February.

What is the current tension between India and Maldives?

India and the Maldives are facing tensions due to several reasons:

1. Tensions are due to derogatory remarks by Maldivian ministers against India and the call for Indian tourists to boycott the Maldives.
2. India is concerned about a Chinese research ship, Xiang Yang Hong 03, planning to dock in the Maldives. India’s discomfort with Chinese ships in the Indian Ocean is evident from its actions in Sri Lanka, where it influenced the banning of foreign research vessels.
3. The India-Maldives relationship is further strained as the Maldives under President Muizzu scrapped the hydrography agreement with India. For information on India-Maldives hydrography agreement read here
4. The rise of President Muizzu, who used an “India Out” campaign slogan, and his preference for other nations like Türkiye, the UAE, and China over India, are contributing to the tensions.

What are the key issues in this situation?

1.The main issue is the regional power struggle between India and China. The Maldives is trying to balance its relations with these bigger nations.

2.Sovereignty and economic security are major concerns for the Maldives.

How is India responding?

Diplomatic engagement: Despite ongoing tensions, India is persistently engaging in diplomatic discussions with the Maldives, exemplified by ongoing high-level meetings like Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s with President Muizzu and the establishment of a high-level core group.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent meeting with his Maldivian counterpart highlights continuous diplomatic efforts.

Alignment with Neighbourhood first policy: India’s actions are in line with its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, emphasizing the importance of regional relationships. This policy guides India’s balanced approach to addressing both geopolitical challenges and maintaining neighborly ties.

Way forward

The way forward for India and Maldives is to maintain diplomatic engagement, as evidenced by recent high-level meetings. India’s neighborhood-first policy aligns with the economic needs of the Maldives, emphasizing mutual benefits. The Maldives’ measured response to the Chinese ship Xiang Yang Hong 03, permitting only a routine port call, reflects a cautious stance. This opens avenues for diplomacy, fostering stable bilateral relations amidst regional complexities.

A detailed article on India-Maldives Relations can be read here.

Question for practice:

Discuss the key issues and India’s response to the current tensions between India and Maldives.