EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER (EAM) VISIT TO MALDIVES

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Picture Courtesy: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/jaishankar-concludes-maldives-visit/article68513170.ece

Context: The External Affairs Minister concluded a three-day visit to the Maldives.

Details

• The External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently completed a visit to the Maldives, a crucial partner for India in the Indian Ocean region.
• The visit was significant as it was the first high-level engagement from India since President Mohamed Muizzu, who is seen as pro-China, took office last November.

Visit Highlights

India–Maldives Relations 

• India and the Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean, have a history of close and multifaceted relations.
• They share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious, and commercial ties that have deep historical roots.
• India was one of the first countries to recognize the Maldives after its independence in 1965 and establish diplomatic relations.
• Their geographical proximity and strategic location in the Indian Ocean make their relationship particularly significant.
  

Maldives ●The Maldives, an island nation in South Asia, is the world's lowest-lying country. ●The Maldives heavily relies on tourism, with India being a significant source of tourists. ●India exports essential goods to the Maldives, while the Maldives exports fish and marine products to India.

Historical Background

Diplomatic Relations

• The Maldives gained independence from British rule in 1965. India quickly recognized its sovereignty and established diplomatic ties.
• Both countries have since developed strong strategic, military, economic, and cultural relationships.

Maritime Boundary Treaty (1976):

• India and the Maldives signed a maritime boundary treaty in December 1976, establishing the maritime boundaries between the two nations. This treaty confirmed Minicoy Island as part of India.
• A minor diplomatic issue arose in 1982 when a Maldivian official's remarks about Minicoy were misinterpreted as a claim to the island, but this was quickly resolved.

Comprehensive Trade Agreement (1981):

• The Comprehensive Trade Agreement signed in 1981 laid the foundation for economic cooperation.
• Both nations are also founding members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which promotes regional cooperation.

Strategic and Economic Cooperation

Strategic Importance

• The Maldives' location is crucial due to its proximity to India and its strategic position in key maritime routes in the Indian Ocean.
• India views the Maldives as a key partner in maintaining regional stability and security.

Economic Aid and Projects

• Infrastructure Development: India has invested in various projects in the Maldives, including the $500 million Greater Malé Connectivity Project, which aims to link the capital Malé with adjacent islands through a 6.74 km bridge.
• Humanitarian Assistance: India has been a first responder in times of crisis, including during the 1988 coup attempt in the Maldives, the 2004 tsunami, and the 2014 water crisis in Malé. India's swift response in these situations has reinforced its role as a trusted neighbour.
• Military and Security Cooperation:
  • • Joint Exercises: India and the Maldives conduct annual military exercises called Ekuverin to enhance interoperability and counter-terrorism capabilities.
    • Security Assistance: India has provided support in setting up coastal radars, deploying helicopters, and conducting surveillance to enhance the Maldives' security infrastructure.

Recent Developments

Tensions and Diplomatic Strains

• Political Campaigns and Statements: Relations have recently been strained due to President Mohamed Muizzu's "India-Out" campaign and increasing ties with China. Derogatory remarks by Maldivian officials about Indian territories and leaders have caused diplomatic friction.
• Impact on Civil Society: The tensions have led to public calls for boycotts of Maldivian tourism in India and criticism from Indian celebrities. The diplomatic row has also impacted humanitarian efforts, such as delays in medical evacuations.

Recent Projects and Collaborations

• Water and Sanitation Projects (2024): India and the Maldives inaugurated a major water and sanitation project, aimed at providing safe drinking water and sewerage systems to 32 islands, benefiting over 28,000 Maldivians. This $100 million project is the largest climate adaptation effort by India in the Maldives.

Significance of the India-Maldives Partnership for Both Nations

Geographical and Strategic Importance

• Geographic Proximity:
  • • Location: The Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India, and lies along important maritime routes. Its proximity to India makes it a strategically significant partner.
    • Indian Ocean Trade Routes: The Maldives' location is crucial for maritime trade routes that connect Asia with Europe and Africa. Ensuring stability in this region is important for global trade and security.
• Strategic Location:
  • • Regional Security: For India, maintaining good relations with the Maldives is vital for regional security. The Indian Ocean is a key area for India's strategic interests, including maritime security and anti-terrorism efforts.
    • China's Influence: The Maldives' increasing ties with China are of concern to India. India's strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region are threatened by potential Chinese military and economic influence.
      • Thus, a strong relationship with the Maldives helps India counterbalance China's growing presence in the region.

Economic and Trade Relations

• Economic Aid and Development:
  • • Infrastructure Projects: India has invested significantly in infrastructure projects in the Maldives, such as the $500 million Greater Malé Connectivity Project.
      • This project aims to enhance connectivity between Malé and surrounding islands, boosting the Maldives' economic growth.
    • Humanitarian Assistance: India has provided emergency aid during crises, such as the 2014 water shortage in Malé, demonstrating its role as a reliable neighbour. This assistance strengthens bilateral relations and showcases India's commitment to regional welfare.
• Trade and Investment:
  • • Economic Ties: India is a major trading partner for the Maldives. Indian exports to the Maldives include essential goods, while the Maldives exports minimal products to India.
      • This trade relationship supports the Maldivian economy and provides India with a strategic trading partner in the region.
    • Investment: Indian investments in the Maldives contribute to economic development and create opportunities for Indian businesses. The strong economic ties are beneficial for both nations' economic stability and growth.

Security and Defense Cooperation

• Military Support:
  • • Joint Exercises: The annual military exercises, Ekuverin, enhance cooperation between the Indian Army and the Maldivian National Defence Force.
      • These exercises focus on improving counter-terrorism capabilities and disaster response, strengthening the security of both nations.
    • Surveillance and Defense: India has assisted in setting up coastal radars and providing helicopters for surveillance in the Maldives. This support helps the Maldives monitor and secure its maritime borders and contributes to regional security.
• Disaster Relief:
  • • Emergency Response: India has been a key player in providing humanitarian assistance during natural disasters and emergencies in the Maldives. This support reinforces India's role as a dependable ally and strengthens the bond between the two countries.

Cultural and Diplomatic Relations

• Cultural Ties:
  • • Shared Heritage: India and the Maldives share cultural and historical connections, which foster mutual understanding and cooperation. The cultural ties contribute to a positive relationship and enhance people-to-people connections.
    • Educational and Cultural Exchanges: Indian scholarships and educational programs for Maldivian students strengthen cultural ties and promote mutual respect between the nations.
• Diplomatic Engagement:
  • • High-Level Contacts: Regular high-level meetings and diplomatic engagements between leaders of India and the Maldives ensure that both nations address issues collaboratively and maintain a strong relationship.
    • International Cooperation: Both countries work together on regional and international platforms, such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), promoting regional stability and cooperation.

Challenges in India-Maldives Relations

Political Instability in the Maldives

• Frequent Leadership Changes: The Maldives has seen several changes in leadership in recent years, with shifts in political power often bringing changes in foreign policy. This has occasionally led to periods of tension or uncertainty in bilateral relations.
• Domestic Political Turmoil: Internal political conflict and the suppression of political opposition in the Maldives have sometimes strained relations with India, especially when India has expressed concerns over democratic practices.

Influence of External Powers

• China’s Growing Influence: The increasing economic and strategic influence of China in the Maldives, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has been a significant concern for India. China’s involvement in infrastructure projects and its potential military presence in the Indian Ocean are viewed by India as strategic challenges.
• Debt Dependency: The Maldives’ growing indebtedness to China due to large-scale infrastructure projects has raised concerns in India about the country’s financial stability and the possibility of China leveraging this debt for strategic purposes.

Security Concerns

• Maritime Security: The Indian Ocean is a critical area for India’s maritime security, and any instability in the Maldives can have direct implications for India. The possibility of external powers gaining a foothold in the Maldives is a significant concern for India’s strategic interests.
• Terrorism and Radicalization: The rise of radicalization and potential threats of terrorism in the Maldives are concerns for India, particularly regarding the security of its maritime boundaries and the safety of Indian nationals in the region.

Economic Competition

• Tourism and Investment: While India is a significant source of tourists for the Maldives, competition from other countries, especially China, in the tourism and investment sectors has sometimes led to economic tensions.
• Infrastructure Projects: India’s involvement in infrastructure development in the Maldives competes with other countries, particularly China. This competition can strain diplomatic relations when there are delays or issues with project implementation.

Diplomatic and Strategic Divergences

• Foreign Policy Divergences: Differences in foreign policy approaches, particularly regarding relations with China and other regional powers, have occasionally led to diplomatic friction between India and the Maldives.
• Military Presence: India’s military presence in the Maldives, particularly in the form of security cooperation and assistance, has sometimes been viewed with suspicion by certain factions within the Maldives, leading to domestic political pushback.

Public Perception and Nationalism

• Anti-India Sentiments: There have been periodic surges of anti-India sentiments in the Maldives, often fueled by domestic political factions or external influence. These sentiments can complicate bilateral relations and lead to diplomatic challenges.

Environmental and Climate Change Issues

• Climate Change Vulnerability: The Maldives is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and natural disasters. While India has assisted in disaster relief, there are ongoing challenges in coordinating effective climate action and disaster management.

Way Forward

Strengthening Political and Diplomatic Ties

• High-Level Engagements: Regular high-level visits and dialogues between the leaders of both countries can help maintain strong political ties and ensure that both nations are aligned on key issues. Diplomatic engagement should focus on addressing concerns constructively.
• People-to-People Diplomacy: Encouraging cultural exchanges, educational collaborations, and tourism between India and the Maldives can help foster goodwill and strengthen the people-to-people bond, reducing the impact of any anti-India sentiments.

Balancing the Influence of External Powers

• Regional Cooperation: India can work with the Maldives to strengthen regional cooperation through platforms like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), ensuring that the Maldives remains integrated within South Asia’s strategic framework.
• Economic Alternatives: India can provide competitive alternatives to Chinese investments, offering development assistance, concessional loans, and investments in key sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education. This can help reduce the Maldives’ economic dependency on China.

Enhancing Security Cooperation

• Maritime Security Collaboration: India should continue to assist the Maldives in strengthening its maritime security capabilities, including joint exercises, training programs, and sharing of intelligence. This cooperation can help safeguard the Indian Ocean from threats like piracy, terrorism, and illegal fishing.
• Counterterrorism and De-radicalization Efforts: India can offer support to the Maldives in counterterrorism initiatives, including sharing best practices in de-radicalization, providing technological assistance, and enhancing law enforcement capabilities.

Economic and Developmental Partnerships

• Infrastructure Development: India should prioritize the timely and efficient implementation of infrastructure projects in the Maldives. Successful completion of projects will enhance India’s image as a reliable partner.
• Tourism and Trade: Expanding collaboration in tourism, fisheries, and trade can be mutually beneficial. India can assist in developing sustainable tourism practices and boost trade by improving connectivity and reducing tariffs on goods.

Addressing Environmental Concerns

• Climate Change Collaboration: India can support the Maldives in its efforts to combat climate change by offering technical assistance, sharing expertise in renewable energy, and collaborating on projects aimed at environmental sustainability and disaster resilience.
• Disaster Relief and Management: Strengthening cooperation in disaster preparedness and response can help the Maldives better manage natural disasters. India can provide resources, training, and rapid response teams when needed.

Long-Term Vision

• Institutionalizing Relations: Establishing permanent mechanisms for regular strategic dialogue, economic cooperation, and security collaboration will ensure that the relationship remains robust and adaptable to changing circumstances.
• Youth Engagement: India can engage the Maldivian youth through scholarships, educational exchange programs, and skill development initiatives. This will create a generation of Maldivians with strong ties to India and an understanding of its culture and values.

Conclusion

• India–Maldives relations are characterized by a blend of deep historical ties, strategic importance, and mutual cooperation. While recent tensions have emerged, the longstanding partnership in various sectors, including security, economic development, and humanitarian assistance, continues to be a vital aspect of their bilateral relationship.

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Source:

THE HINDU

MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

WIKIPEDIA