INTRODUCTION
India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links and enjoy close, cordial and multi-dimensional relations.
India was among the first to recognise Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the country.
India established formal diplomatic relations with Maldives after the independence of Maldives from the British rule in 1966.
The prompt aid provided by India during the 1988 coup plot, known as 'Operation cactus', played a crucial role
in fostering trust and cultivating enduring and amicable bilateral relations with the Maldives.
As per India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy,” India “stands ready to fully support the Government of
Maldives in its socio-economic development” and Maldivian government has reiterated its “India First” policy” to work closely with the government of India on all issues
| Maldives is an Islamic country. Tourism and Fishing are its major sources of income. In 2008, India helped it to obtain democracy. Before that, it was autocracy under Gayoom, then democracy under Nasheed, again recent autocracy under Yameen with final democratic election in September in which President Solih took the leadership. |
Maldives is important for India because of its geostrategic location on Sea Lanes of Communications, security of Indian Ocean, vast Exclusive Economic Zone, piracy issues, and cultural, historical linkage with India.