Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India and Its Neighborhood, Issue: India – Maldives Relations (India PM’s Maldives trip).
Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebration in Malé signifies a significant improvement in bilateral relations a development that was unexpected by both countries.
Key Takeaways:
Significance of Maldives for India Geopolitical:
- Maldives is one of the cornerstones of India’s NFP (Neighborhood First policy) and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) due to its location.
- Strategic: Maldives is geographically positioned like a ‘toll gate’ between western Indian Ocean chokepoints (Gulf of Aden and Strait of Hormuz), and eastern Indian Ocean chokepoint of Strait of Malacca.
- Situated along key shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean, Maldives is central to India’s interests in safeguarding freedom of navigation, regional security and stability.
- Geo-economics: Maldives is located along the major commercial Sea lines of communication (SLOC).
- 50% of India’s external trade and 80% of India’s energy imports transit through these SLOCs in the vicinity of Maldives.
- Also, India emerged as Maldives’ largest trade partner in 2023 touching almost $1 billion.
- Security: A strong relationship with Maldives will enable India to counter China’s ambitious ‘String of Pearls’ in the IOR.
- Counter terrorism and piracy: For India, Maldives is the first line of defence against terrorism, piracy on the high seas, drug trafficking etc., in the Indian Ocean.
- Diaspora and Tourism: Indian expatriates makes up a large part of the workforce in the Maldives, especially in sectors like healthcare and education.
- Also, it is a popular tourist destination for Indians, which benefits both economies.
Challenges and Way Ahead in India-Maldives Bilateral Relationship:
India PM’s Maldives trip symbolizes a significant recovery in India-Maldives relations, focusing on economic cooperation and partnership amidst previous tensions, highlighting a commitment to mutual growth and stability.
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