India Maldives Relation

Source: Indian Express
GS II: India and its neighbourhood- relations

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. India Maldives Relation
3. Maldives
4. Maldives in  Regional Map

Why in the News?

India to withdraw its troops from the island nation by March 15, a top official posing the latest in a series of diplomatic challenges from Male to New Delhi.

• India Maldives Relation straining the already tense relation.

News in Brief

• Indian military personnel will no longer be permitted to reside in the Maldives.
• India Maldives Relation impacted recently due to the Ongoing Lakshadweep Issue.
• India instead it noted that both sides discussed finding mutually workable solutions to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the people of Maldives.
• In contrast, the press statement issued by the Maldives’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “Both sides expressed willingness to intensify cooperation and agreed to fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel.
• According to the Maldives government, India has around 88 soldiers stationed in the Maldives.
• New Delhi has maintained that most of them are technical staff, engaged predominantly in maintaining aircraft gifted by India.

India Maldives Relation

• India was among the first to recognize Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the country.
• India First has been a stated policy of the Government of Maldives (GoM).

Border Issues

• The one-time claim of Maldives to Minicoy Island was resolved.
• Maritime Boundary Treaty of 1976 between the two countries, whereby Maldives has recognized Minicoy as an integral part of India.

Security & Defence Cooperation

• A comprehensive Action Plan for Defence was also signed in April 2016 to consolidate the defence partnership.
• India provides the largest number of training opportunities for the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF).
• India’s prompt assistance during the 1988 coup attempt, led to the development of trust and long-term.
• India was the first to assist Maldives during the 2004 Tsunami as well as the water crisis in Malé in Dec 2014.

COVID Pandemic Support

• India’s swift dispatch of 30,000 doses of measles vaccine in Jan 2020 to prevent an outbreak in the Maldives.
• India’s rapid and comprehensive assistance to the Maldives since the COVID-19 pandemic began has further reinforced India’s credentials of being the first responder.

Financial Assistance

• India in Dec 2018, during which India announced a financial assistance package of US$ 1.4 billion which included US$ 50 million as budgetary support to GoM.
• 8 infrastructure Projects under the US$ 800 million Line of Credit (LoC).
• In response to a request from the Government of Maldives, amid the economic challenges faced by the Maldives, handed over financial assistance of US$ 100 million.

Infrastructure & Connectivity Projects

• Water and Sanitation in 34 Islands: The project seeks to improve water supply and sewerage facilities in 34 identified islands.
• Addu Development Project: The scope includes roads, street lighting, stormwater drainage, shore protection and land reclamation for the development of tourism infrastructure.
• Gulhifalhu Port project: The project is to relocate the congested Malé Commercial Harbour and warehousing from Malé to Gulhifalhu Island.
• Airport Redevelopment Projects in Hanimaadhoo and Gan: The EXIM Bank of India
  is supporting the redevelopment of airports in Hanimaadhoo and Gan.
• Greater Male Connectivity Project: to connect Male to Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi islands through a series of bridges, causeways and roads through a separate $ 400 million LoC and $ 100 million grant from India.
• USD 40 million Sports Line of Credit was extended to the Maldives in Sept 2021 to develop the sports infrastructure across the islands.

Trade Relations

• India emerged as Maldives 3rd largest trade partner in 2021.
• Indian exports to the Maldives include a variety of engineering and industrial products like drugs and pharmaceuticals, radar apparatus, rock boulders, aggregates, cement and agricultural produce like rice, spices, fruits, vegetables, poultry produce etc.
• As of 2023 May, total exports to Maldives stood at US$178.7 million and imports from Maldives stood at US$1.98 million.

Tourism

• The Maldivian economy is heavily dependent on its tourism sector.
• Tourism directly accounts for about quarter of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Maldives.
• Tourist from India
  • India was the 5th largest source of tourist arrivals in Maldives in 2018.
  • In 2019, India reached the 2 nd spot with almost double the number of arrivals.
  • In 2023, India with 100,915 tourists arrivals (until 13 June 2023) is the 1st leading source market for Maldives with a 11.8% market share.

Maldives

• The Maldives is a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India.
• It is an archipelago consisting of 26 atolls, made up of over 1,000 coral islands.
• The Maldives is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs.

Maldives in  Regional Map

Key points about the Maldives

• Capital and Largest City: Malé is the capital and the largest city of the Maldives.
• Geography
  • The Maldives is the lowest-lying country in the world, with an average ground level of 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches) above sea level.
  • This makes it particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels.
• Language: Dhivehi is the official language of the Maldives.
• Economy:
  • Tourism is a significant contributor to the Maldivian economy.
  • The country attracts visitors with its luxurious resorts, water bungalows, and vibrant marine life.
• Culture
  • The Maldivian culture is a blend of South Indian, Arab, and African influences.
  • Islam is the official religion, and the Maldives has a rich tradition of music, dance, and art.
• Environmental Concerns
  • The Maldives faces challenges due to climate change, including rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and threats to marine biodiversity.
  • The government has been actively involved in international discussions on climate change and is working towards sustainable practices.
• Tourism
  • The Maldives is renowned for its overwater bungalows, underwater restaurants, and world-class diving and snorkelling opportunities.
  • Many visitors come to experience the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
• Political Structure
  • The Maldives is a presidential republic.
  • It gained independence from British protection in 1965.
• Climate
  • The Maldives has a tropical climate with two main seasons: a dry northeast monsoon season (from December to March) and a wet southwest monsoon season (from May to October).

Overall, the Maldives is a popular destination for those seeking a luxurious and picturesque escape in a tropical paradise. However, the country also faces challenges related to climate change that are of global concern.

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