Given the present situation, India must strengthen ties with the Maldives without taking sides in domestic politics.
How about the picture of India- Maldives relation?
India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in antiquity.
Diplomacy- India was among the first to recognize and to establish diplomatic relations with Maldives after its independence in 1965.
Strategic significance - Maldives’ proximity to the west coast of India and its situation at the hub of commercial sea-lanes running through Indian Ocean makes it strategically important to India.
India is being seen as a net security provider and ‘India First’ has been a stated policy of the Government of Maldives.
Political aid - India’s prompt assistance during the 1988 coup attempt, led to development of trust and long-term and friendly bilateral relations with the Maldives.
Disaster management - India was the first to assist Maldives during the 2004 Tsunami as well as the water crisis in Malé in Dec 2014.
India’s rapid and comprehensive assistance to the Maldives since the COVID- 19 pandemic began has further reinforced India’s credentials of being the first responder.
Security & Defence Cooperation - A comprehensive Action Plan for Defence was signed in 2016 to consolidate defence partnership.
India provides the largest number of training opportunities for Maldivian National Defence Force, meeting around 70% of their defence training requirements.
Development Cooperation – The major completed and ongoing development assistance projects executed by India are
Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital
Maldives Institute of Technical Education (Maldives Polytechnic)
India-Maldives Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism Studies
Technology Adoption Programme in Education Sector in Maldives
National Centre for Police and Law Enforcement (NCPLE)
Connectivity – India assists Maldives in the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) that aims toease the pressure of the main capital island of Male for commercial and residential purposes.
India has aided in commissioning of various projects such as Hanimaadhoo airport, Hulhumale cricket stadium, Gulhifalhu port, etc.
In 2022, India & Maldives agreed for an open skies arrangement which will further improve connectivity between two countries.
Economy and Trade - India emerged as Maldives’ 3rd largest trade partner in 2021.
Indian imports from the Maldives primarily comprise scrap metals while Indian exports to the Maldives include a variety of engineering and industrial products and agriculture produce.
Tourism - In 2022, India continues to be the leading source market for Maldives with a 14.1% market share.
Consular Matters - Indian expatriate community in the Maldives has an approximate strength of 27,000.
Agreement for transfer of prisoners under the Transfer of Sentenced Persons is also active.
How is the present situation?
Recently, the former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen had been convicted by a criminal court for 11 years.
Mr. Yameen has had a rough relationship with India during his presidential term.
As opposition leader he has led the “India Out” campaign, and had close links with China.
Recently, he called for an arson attack on the Indian High Commission in Male.
The Maldives Constitution disqualifies any candidate convicted of criminal charges and sentenced to a term of more than a year unless they are later acquitted or a three-year period has elapsed since their release.
What lies ahead for New Delhi?
Mr. Yameen’s disqualification may provide some relief to New Delhi but it must keep a close watch on other parts of Maldivian politics.
New Delhi must also actively project the image of the friendly and helpful neighbor.
