Syllabus: GS-II
Subject: International Relations
Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
Issue: India-Maldives Row.
Context: Discussions on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, as well as expediting the completion of ongoing development projects in the Maldives, and cooperation within SAARC and NAM.
Background:
Steps taken by Maldives after Mr. Muizzu came into Power:
- Choosing Turkeyfor his first official visit as a foreign destination, unlike past Maldivian Presidents.
- Absence from the meeting of the NSA-level Colombo Security Conclave(Member-state- India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Mauritius).
- Vow to change the Maldives’s ‘India First’ policyadopted under his predecessor and remove Indian military personnel from the island nation.
- Decided not to renewthe hydrography cooperation agreement with India after its expiry on 7 June 2024.Top of FormTop of Form
Way Forward:
Diplomatic engagement and open communication to address concerns and foster understanding.
