India Maldives Relations

The relationship between India and Maldives holds significant historical and strategic importance, dating back to Maldives' independence from British rule in 1965. India established diplomatic links and played a crucial role in ensuring Maldives' sovereignty with the Maritime Boundary Agreement signed in 1976 and Operation Cactus in response to a coup attempt in 1988. They have cooperated by resolving land disputes involving Minicoy Island, and India's timely assistance during crises such as the 2004 Tsunami and water shortage in 2014. Economic and developmental aid like the Greater Male Connectivity Project and defense collaboration through joint exercises, further solidify this partnership. Despite challenges such as political instability, China's economic influence, and security threats, both nations are actively overcoming them by enhancing communication, focusing on shared interests, respecting sovereignty, and fostering people-to-people connections through cultural cooperation initiatives.

The Maldives government has suspended 3 ministers for making derogatory remarks about the Indian Prime Minister after his visit to Lakshadweep. Despite recent tensions over troop presence and India out campaign, India has increased development aid to the Maldives, investing Rs 771 crore, nearly doubled the grant. Major initiatives include a $500-million road and bridge project in Male and 2 airports in Maldive, funded through credit lines. Despite the Maldives' tilt towards China, India remains committed to its development partnership, increasing funding this fiscal year. However, the Maldives' engagement with China, allowing a Chinese research vessel to dock, has raised security concerns for India. Yet, India maintains its assistance, emphasizing humanitarian aid over military presence.

Maldives is located near India's west coast and lies on important sea routes in the Indian Ocean, making it very important to India. After becoming independent from British rule in 1965, the Maldives set up diplomatic links with India. India was among the first to acknowledge the Maldives as a sovereign country. In 1976 they signed the Maritime Boundary Agreement which clarified the sea borders between them. Later, India through Operation Cactus stopped an attempted coup by the military.

1. Historic Connections: India and Maldives share deep-rooted connections in terms of culture, language, and business due to their proximity.
2. Security Ties: In Maldives' foreign relations, India plays a key role, especially in security. India is considered an important protector in this region.
3. Solving Land Disputes: Earlier land issues, like the one about Minicoy Island, have been settled peacefully.
4. India's Help in Crises India's quick help during the 1988 coup attempt, the 2004 Tsunami, and the 2014 water shortage in Malé has made the relationship stronger.
5. Top-Level Meetings: There have been many visits and discussions between top leaders of both countries, including Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers.
6. Economic and Development Help: India has given a lot of financial and infrastructure support to Maldives, like the US$ 1.4 billion aid in 2018. India provides the Maldives with crucial supplies like food, spices, vegetables, meat, medicines, and important drugs.
   1. In 2022, out of the total Rs 50 crore trade between the two countries, Rs 49 crore were exports from India to the Maldives, making India its second-largest trading partner that year.
7. Defence Ties:
   • Defense collaboration includes Joint Exercises such as "Ekuverin," "Dosti," "Ekatha," and "Operation Shield," which began in 2021.
   • India offers the training opportunities for the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF), fulfilling about 70% of their defense training needs.
8. Development Works:
   • Greater Male Connectivity Project is aimed at improving transportation in the Maldivian capital, Male includes the construction of a bridge and linking Male to 2 neighboring islands, as well as the development of a new bus rapid transit system.
   • Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development Project is expanding and upgrading this Airport in the northern Maldives.
   • Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital Redevelopment Project is redeveloping the Hospital in the northern Maldives.
   • Maldives Institute of Technical Education (MITE) was established with Indian assistance in 1993. It provides vocational training in a variety of trades, such as carpentry, welding, and mechanics.
   • High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) is a program that provides funding for construction of schools, community centers, and water and sanitation systems.
9. Business and Trade: Trade between India and Maldives has grown by 4 times since 2014. India and Maldives signed a trade agreement in 1981 that allows the export of essential goods.
   • Refined petroleum ($128 million)
   • Packaged medicaments ($23.5 million)
   • Rice ($15.3 million)
   In 2021, India's bilateral trade with Maldives surpassed $300 million for the first time, and in 2022, it surpassed $500 million.
10. Tourism: Maldives is a favorite place for Indian tourists, with more and more Indians visiting recently.
11. Education and Training: India offers many scholarships and training to students and professionals from Maldives.
12. Consular Issues: A big group of Indians live in Maldives, contributing a lot to areas like health and education.

1. Political Instability: Recent political unrest and government changes in the Maldives have led to uncertainty, making it difficult to maintain long-term cooperative projects.
2. Influence of China - Economic Presence: China's increasing economic footprint in the Maldives, shown through large infrastructure investments and concerns over creating debt dependency, poses a challenge to India's strategic interests.
   1. Military Presence: The expansion of China's navy and its potential military intentions in the Indian Ocean, with support from the Maldives, are crucial for India.
3. Security Issues/Non-traditional Threats: The region faces issues like piracy, terrorism, and drug trafficking, which require India and the Maldives to work closely and share intelligence.
   1. Extremism The Maldives is at risk of religious extremism and radicalization, calling for combined efforts to combat these dangers.
4. Economic and Environmental Concerns
   1. Trade Imbalance: A significant trade imbalance between India and the Maldives might cause discontent and push for broader trade relationships.
   2. Climate Change: Climate change can intensify disputes over resources and migration, which could lead to instability and conflict, demanding shared actions for adaptation and protecting the environment.
   
   

1. Enhancing Communication: In 2023, Foreign Minister of the Maldives visited India to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
2. Focusing on Shared Interests: In November 2020, there was a significant NSA level meeting between India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives to discuss common security threats like terrorism and illegal trade.
   • The Maldives' participation in the International Solar Alliance (ISA), led by India, is an example of joint efforts toward sustainable development.
3. Respecting Sovereignty India has reaffirmed its commitment to respecting the Maldives' sovereignty and democratic processes in a few ways like the Maritime Boundary Treaty In 1976, India First policy In August 2022.
4. Building People-to-People Connections: The India-Maldives Cultural Cooperation Agreement supports artist exchanges, film festivals, and other cultural events.

India and the Maldives have shared a longstanding friendship since the Maldives gained independence in 1965. Despite occasional challenges, including shifts in political leanings and external influences, both countries have consistently worked to strengthen their relationship. The strategic location of the Maldives, coupled with shared cultural ties and mutual security concerns, underscores the importance of their partnership. To address ongoing issues and further enhance cooperation, open communication, a focus on common interests, respect for sovereignty, and fostering people-to-people connections are essential. By addressing internal challenges and prioritizing mutual goals, India and the Maldives can continue to build a resilient and prosperous relationship for the benefit of both nations.