Test: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Maldives - 3 - UPSC MCQ

Maldives is an archipelagic nation located in the middle of the Indian Ocean. It is approximately 300 miles away from the southern coast of India.

The primary religion practiced in Maldives is Islam, with the majority population following Sunni Islam.

Maldives is a low lying nation, and most parts of the country are barely a meter above sea level. This makes it highly vulnerable to climate change and sea level rise.

India was among the first countries to recognize Maldives after its independence in 1965 and established diplomatic relations with the country in 1972.

Bilateral cooperation between India and Maldives is guided by a set of principles based on the framework of South-South cooperation, aiming to build solidarity and partnership between developing nations.

China has been involved in infrastructure development projects in the Maldives, which has raised concerns about its growing influence in the region.

Indians constitute the second-largest expatriate community in the Maldives, with a significant presence in the country.

Afcons Infrastructure Limited, an Indian company, is involved in the Greater Male Connectivity Project, which aims to improve connectivity between the four islands with a significant population in the Maldives.

India and Maldives conduct a joint military training exercise called "EKUVERIN" on an annual basis.

One of the main challenges in India-Maldives relations is political instability and interference. Maldives has experienced periods of political instability, including political crises, changes in leadership, and allegations of interference by external powers. These factors can impact the stability and continuity of bilateral relations between India and Maldives. Building trust and maintaining consistent engagement despite political changes is crucial to overcome these challenges and ensure a strong and stable relationship between the two countries.