India and Maldives

Source: Times of India
GS II: International Relation

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. India and the Maldives

Why in the News?

The new Maldives Presidentelect’s transition team hopes to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the swearingin ceremony of Mohamed Muizzu in Male next month, says Maldives Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed.

News in Brief

• Mr. Nasheed who has broken away from outgoing President Ibu Solih and his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to form his own party, which could join the incoming government.
• New Maldivian President would not be “antiIndia” or “proChina”, as he has generally been portrayed in recent commentary.

India and the Maldives

India and the Maldives share a historically close and friendly relationship. This relationship is characterized by geographic proximity, cultural ties, and shared strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region. India-Maldives relations have remained strong and are expected to continue evolving positively in the future, driven by shared interests and mutual respect.

Key aspects of India-Maldives relations

• Geopolitical Significance
  • The Maldives is strategically located in the Indian Ocean and is vital for India’s maritime security.
  • It forms a part of India’s extended neighbourhood and has a direct impact on India’s security and stability.
• Economic Cooperation
  • India is one of the largest trading partners of the Maldives.
  • In recent years, bilateral trade between the two countries has been steadily growing. India exports a variety of goods to the Maldives, including food products, machinery, and petroleum products.
  • Indian imports from the Maldives primarily comprise scrap metals while Indian exports to the Maldives include agriculture and poultry produce, sugar, fruits, vegetables, spices, rice, atta, 3 textiles, drugs and medicines, a variety of engineering and industrial products, sand and aggregate, cement for building etc.
• Development Assistance
  • India has been a significant development partner for the Maldives.
  • It has provided financial and technical assistance for various projects in the areas of infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and capacity building.
• Tourism
  • Tourism is a major industry in the Maldives, and India is one of the top source countries for tourists visiting the Maldives.
  • Indian tourists often choose the Maldives as a vacation destination due to its natural beauty and proximity.
• Security Cooperation
  • Both countries cooperate closely on security issues, including counter-terrorism and maritime security.
  • The Indian Navy plays a crucial role in ensuring the security of the Maldives’ exclusive economic zone.
• Political Engagement
  • High-level visits and diplomatic dialogues are regular occurrences between India and the Maldives.
  • These interactions serve to strengthen bilateral ties and address regional and global challenges.
• Climate Change
  • Both countries are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels.
  • They collaborate on international platforms to address climate change issues and advocate for climate justice.
• Investment
  • Indian companies have invested in various sectors in the Maldives, including tourism, infrastructure, and renewable energy.
  • Bommidala Infrastructure of India signed an agreement for a 25-MW solar energy project in the Upper Southern province.
  • Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India and Government of Maldives on cooperation in the field of Sustainable Urban Development.
• Defense Cooperation
  • India has provided assistance in enhancing the Maldives’ defence capabilities.
  • This includes the provision of patrol vessels and cooperation in conducting joint exercises.
  • India will permanently base two helicopters in the country.
  • Ekuverin, an annual joint military exercise has been held every year since 2009 between India and Maldives.
  • Operation Cactus: The intervention by the Indian Armed Forces defeated the attempted coup led by businessman Abdullah Luthufi and assisted by armed mercenaries of a Tamil secessionist organisation from Sri Lanka.
• Healthcare
  • India has been assisting the Maldives in the healthcare sector, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, by supplying essential medical equipment and vaccines.
• Cultural Exchanges:
  • Cultural exchanges, including music, dance, and art, are actively promoted, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures.
  • Three historical mosques in the Maldives were successfully restored by Indian experts.
  • Indian Cultural Center in Male inaugurated in July 2011 is expected to give a further boost to the cultural activities between the two countries.
• Indian Diaspora
  • Indians are the second largest expatriate community in the Maldives.
  • Indian expatriate community consists of doctors, nurses and technicians, teachers, construction workers, tailors, etc. spread all over the country.
  • Around 25% of teachers in Maldives are Indians, mostly at middle and senior levels.

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