India and Maldives | PSIR Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

India-Maldives Relations

India and the Maldives share deep-rooted connections that span ethnicity, language, culture, religion, and trade. These ties have been strong and positive for a long time. India was one of the first countries to recognize the Maldives after it became independent in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with it. India set up its diplomatic mission in the Maldives in 1972 and later appointed a resident High Commissioner in 1980. The Maldives, in turn, opened its High Commission in New Delhi in November 2004, marking one of its few diplomatic missions worldwide at that time.

Bilateral Visits Strengthening Ties

• Presidential Visit (August 2022): The President of the Maldives visited India to strengthen geopolitical, security, and economic ties between the two nations. This visit occurred during a challenging period for both countries, especially due to the economic and political issues faced by their common neighbor, Sri Lanka.
• Defence Cooperation (July 2022): The Chief of the Maldives National Defence Forces, Major General Abdulla Shamaal, visited India to enhance defence cooperation between the two countries.
• Security Discussions (February 2020): The Home Ministers of India and the Maldives met to discuss cooperation in security and law enforcement.
• Prime Minister Modi's Visit (2018): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Maldives to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected President, Mohamed Solih.
• President Solih's Visit (2018): President Solih of the Maldives visited India, reaffirming the Maldives' policy of prioritizing relations with India.

Important MoU between India and Maldives

• In July 2022, the Indian Cabinet approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing judicial cooperation between India and the Maldives. This agreement is expected to expedite court digitization processes and create favorable opportunities for IT companies and start-ups in both nations.

Key MoUs Signed Between India and Maldives (November 2020)

• Community Development Projects: Two MoUs were established for high-impact community development initiatives.
• Sports and Youth Affairs Cooperation: One MoU focused on collaboration between Maldives and India in the areas of sports and youth affairs.
• Financial Grant: One MoU outlined a grant of 100 million USD, part of India’s broader 500 million USD package for the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP).
• Hydrography Cooperation: An MoU was signed to foster cooperation in the field of hydrography.
• Health Cooperation: An MoU was established to promote cooperation in health-related matters.
• Maritime Services: An MoU was signed for the establishment of a passenger and cargo service by sea.
• Customs Capacity Building: An MoU focused on cooperation in customs capacity building.
• Good Governance: An MoU between the Maldives Civil Service Commission and India’s National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) was established to enhance governance practices.
• White Shipping Information Exchange: A technical agreement was made for the exchange of white shipping information between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

India’s 500 Million USD Package for GMCP

In response to the economic challenges faced by the Maldives after the COVID-19 pandemic, India has committed a substantial support package of 500 million US dollars. This package aims to enhance various sectors such as air, sea, intra-island transportation, and telecommunications within the Maldives.

Greater Male Connectivity Project

• As part of this initiative, India will provide a grant of 100 million USD and a new line of credit worth 400 million USD. This funding is specifically designated for the Greater Male Connectivity Project, which aims to improve infrastructure and connectivity in the region.

Direct Cargo Ferry Service

• To facilitate trade between Maldives and India, a direct cargo ferry service will be established. This service is expected to promote import and export activities between the two countries.

Air Bubbles for Travel

• India and Maldives will also implement air bubbles to facilitate the movement of people between the two nations. This arrangement will support various purposes such as employment, tourism, and medical emergencies. Notably, the Maldives is the first country with which India has established a travel bubble.

Strategic Importance of Maldives

• Regional Stability and Security: The Maldives plays a vital role in ensuring political stability and security in the Indian Ocean region, which is crucial for safeguarding Indian commerce and investment. Both India and the Maldives share a responsibility to maintain stability and security in this strategic area.
• Quad’s Pacific Strategy: India envisions the Maldives adopting the Quad’s Pacific strategy, which involves collaboration among India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. This strategy aims to enhance regional security and cooperation.

Economic Significance of the Maldives

• Strategic Geographic Location: Despite its small size, the Maldives is being courted by various developed and developing nations due to its strategic geographic location. The Maldives is positioned near crucial international shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean, making it a key player in global trade.
• Major Trade Route: The Indian Ocean serves as a major route for the transfer of energy and trade worldwide. The Maldives is situated between two critical chokepoints in the western Indian Ocean: the Strait of Malacca and the Gulf of Aden. This positioning gives the Maldives a role akin to a "toll gate" for maritime traffic.
• Sustainable Marine Resource Management: For India’s success in the blue economy, the sustainable management and use of marine resources in the Maldives are of utmost importance. This cooperation is vital for both countries’ economic interests and environmental sustainability.

Global Support Initiatives

• Support for India’s Global Aspirations: The Maldives has expressed support for India’s bid for permanent membership in international organizations and for its non-permanent seat candidacy for the 2020-21 term. This reflects the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.
• Membership in the Commonwealth: Both India and the Maldives are members of the Commonwealth, which fosters cooperation and mutual support among member countries.
• Collaboration in International Forums: India and the Maldives have backed each other in various international forums, including the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), showcasing their strong diplomatic partnership.

Counterterrorism Cooperation

• Support in Counterterrorism Efforts: The Maldives supports India’s counterterrorism initiatives, acknowledging the strong radical influences present in the region. This cooperation is crucial for enhancing security and stability in both countries.
• Joint Defense Cooperation: India and the Maldives are engaged in deep defense cooperation, focusing on counterterrorism efforts. This includes the establishment of the Joint Working Group on Counterterrorism, Countering Violent Extremism, and Deradicalization, which involves participation from both nations.

Trade and Economic Relations

In 2021, India solidified its position as the Maldives' third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade surpassing $300 million for the first time, reaching an impressive $323.29 million.

Trade Dynamics

• Maldives Imports from India: The majority of imports from the Maldives to India consist of scrap metals.
• India's Exports to the Maldives:India exports a diverse range of products to the Maldives, including:
  • Engineering and industrial goods such as medications, pharmaceuticals, radar equipment.
  • Construction materials like rock boulders, aggregates, and cement.
  • Agricultural products including rice, spices, fruits, vegetables, and chicken products.

Tourism Ties

• Tourism is a crucial part of the Maldivian economy, and India plays a significant role in this sector.
• In 2022, India was the top source market for tourists to the Maldives, with 132,151 Indian tourists arriving by July 20, 2022.
• Indian tourists accounted for 14.7% of the total tourist market, highlighting the strong tourism ties between the two nations.

India-Maldives Political relations

Bilateral Relations Between India and Maldives

• Bilateral relations between India and the Maldives have been actively nurtured and strengthened through regular high-level contacts.
• Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, nearly all Prime Ministers of India have visited the Maldives, reflecting the close relationship between the two nations.
• Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom made several visits to India during his tenure.
• President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives demonstrated the importance of India in his foreign policy by choosing India as his first destination abroad after assuming office in December 2008.
• In October 2009, President Nasheed further solidified this bond by attending the Delhi High-Level Conference on Climate Change and Technology Transfer.
• In 2010, President Nasheed made two significant visits to India:
  • The first in January for the CII-Partnership Summit in Chennai.
  • The second in October for the Opening Ceremony of the 19th Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
• In February 2011, he made another official visit to India, underscoring the ongoing collaboration between the two countries.
• On international issues, the Maldives has consistently supported India in various multilateral forums, including:
  • The United Nations
  • The Commonwealth
  • The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
  • The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
• The Maldives was among the first countries to support the candidacy of Shri Kamalesh Sharma as the Commonwealth Secretary-General.
• The Maldives co-sponsored the G-4 draft resolutions on United Nations reforms, further demonstrating its commitment to strengthening ties with India and supporting its initiatives on the global stage.

Bilateral Assistance

India's Developmental Assistance to the Maldives:
India has been actively supporting the Maldives in its developmental efforts through various projects. Here are some of the significant initiatives:

1. Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH)

• During former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi’s visit to Male’ in 1986, India agreed to assist in establishing a medical complex in the Maldives.
• The 200-bed hospital was built at an estimated cost of Rs.42.5 crores and inaugurated in April 1995.
• IGMH in Male’ has become the most advanced tertiary care hospital in the Maldives and a prominent symbol of India’s support.
• While the Government of Maldives manages the hospital, the Government of India continues to provide substantial assistance.

2. Faculty of Engineering Technology (FET)

• Established in 1996 as a grant-in-aid project by the Government of India, the Maldives Institute of Technical Education (MITE) aimed to train at least 200 students annually in various technical and vocational disciplines.
• MITE was later renamed the Faculty of Engineering Technology (FET) to better reflect its academic programs and continues to function effectively.

Disaster-relief Assistance

India's Humanitarian Response to the Maldives Tsunami Disaster:

• In the wake of the devastating tsunami that struck the Maldives on December 26, 2004, India swiftly mobilized to provide crucial relief and aid to the affected nation. The Indian Coast Guard was the first to respond, with a Dornier aircraft arriving on December 27 to initiate relief efforts. This was soon followed by two Indian Air Force Avro aircraft, which arrived the same day, carrying essential relief materials. These aircraft remained in the Maldives to continue their support operations.
• On December 28, the Indian Navy ship INS Mysore arrived in the Maldives, carrying not only relief supplies but also facilities for a 20-bed hospital and two helicopters. The following day, INS Udaygiri and INS Aditya joined the relief efforts. These ships operated primarily in the Southern Atolls, which were among the most severely affected by the tsunami.

The Indian Navy's relief operations included:

• Delivering food and medicine to the affected areas.
• Treating patients at a field hospital set up by Indian medics.
• Repairing electricity generators and communication equipment.
• Evacuating patients using shipborne helicopters when necessary.

The total cost of India’s relief operations was estimated at Rs. 36.39 crores. Additionally, in response to a request from President Gayoom of the Maldives for financial assistance due to the severe financial difficulties caused by the tsunami, the Government of India sanctioned a budget support aid of Rs. 10 crores in 2005.

Economic Assistance

Strengthening Financial Ties: India-Maldives Standby Credit Facilities:

• During President Nasheed's visit to India in December 2008, the Indian government offered a Standby Credit Facility of US$100 million to the Maldives. This financial support was aimed at strengthening the economic ties between the two nations. Subsequently, during Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's visit to the Maldives in November 2011, India extended another Standby Credit Facility of US$100 million to the Maldivian government. These initiatives reflect India's commitment to supporting the Maldives during times of economic need and fostering closer bilateral relations.

Military Assistance

Attempted Coup in the Maldives (1988):

• November 3, 1988: A group of 80 armed militants from the People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) arrived in the Maldives.
• Speedboats: The militants were joined by local allies who had infiltrated the country.
• Government Overthrow: Their aim was to overthrow the government of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
• Coup Planning: The coup was planned in Sri Lanka by the Tamil nationalist group PLOTE.
• Local Support: The plan received support from a Maldivian businessman and politician opposed to Gayoom’s regime.
• Civil War Influence: Experts believe the coup attempt was influenced by the ongoing civil war in Sri Lanka.
• Airport Control: The insurgents seized control of the airport in Malé, the capital of the Maldives.
• President's Escape: They failed to capture President Gayoom, who escaped with the help of his loyal guards.
• Military Assistance Request: After his escape, Gayoom requested military assistance from India on November 3.
• Operation Cactus: In response, Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi ordered 1,600 troops to support the Maldivian government.
• Quick Response: Indian forces arrived within 12 hours of the request for aid.
• Suppression of the Coup: The Indian military quickly suppressed the coup attempt and established full control over the country.
• Casualties: During the operation, 19 PLOTE militants were killed, and 1 Indian soldier was wounded.
• International Support: India’s intervention was supported by various countries, including the United States, Soviet Union, United Kingdom, and neighboring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh.

Earlier Developments in Maldives-India Relations

Water Crisis in Malé’ (December 2014):

• On December 4, 2014, Malé, the capital of the Maldives, faced a severe drinking water crisis when the island's only water treatment plant collapsed.
• In response to this emergency, the Maldivian government urgently requested assistance from India.
• India quickly stepped in to help by sending heavy-lift transport aircraft, including the C-17 Globemaster III and Il-76, to deliver bottled water.
• Additionally, the Indian Navy sent ships such as INS Sukanya and INS Deepak, which are equipped with onboard desalination plants capable of producing freshwater.

Political Unrest and Diplomatic Relations (2015):

• On February 22, 2015, Mohammed Nasheed, the Maldives' first democratically elected President who served from 2008 to 2012, was arrested on charges related to terrorism.
• The arrests sparked concern from both India and the United States, particularly regarding the treatment of Nasheed during his arrest.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had initially planned to visit the Maldives in March 2015 as part of a tour of Indian Ocean nations. However, in light of the political situation, he omitted the Maldives from his itinerary.

Potential Causes of Stress in Relationship 

Radicalization in the Maldives:

• Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of Maldivians drawn to extremist groups such as the Islamic State (IS), as well as to madrassas in Pakistan and various jihadist organizations. This rise in Islamist radicalism within the island nation can be attributed to several factors, with political instability and socioeconomic uncertainty being the most significant.
• The process of radicalization in the Maldives has also been shaped by events occurring in countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and regions in West Asia. This situation heightens the risk that terrorist groups based in Pakistan might exploit the remote Maldivian islands as launchpads for attacks against India and Indian interests.

Relationship Stressors between India and the Maldives

• Political Turbulence: India's primary concern has been the impact of political instability in the Maldives on its own security and prosperity. The political upheaval following the detention of former President Mohamed Nasheed in February 2015 on terrorism-related charges has posed a significant diplomatic challenge for India's neighborhood policy.
• China's Strategic Concern: China's strategic influence has been expanding in the region surrounding India, with the Maldives emerging as a key "pearl" in China's "String of Pearls" strategy in South Asia. There are concerns that China may be seeking to establish strategic outposts in the Maldives due to its crucial location in the Indian Ocean.
• India-Maldives Relations: Relations between India and the Maldives are vital for the stability of the Indo-Pacific region and its maritime security. India remains a committed development partner in line with its "Neighbourhood First" strategy, aiming for a secure, prosperous, and peaceful Maldives. However, it is also essential for the Maldives to uphold its "India First" policy to maintain a comfortable strategic relationship with India.