India – Maldives Bilateral Relation

Why in News?

Recently, Indian Prime Minister participated in the 60^th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives, as the Guest of Honor.

What are the pillars of Ind0-Maldives relations?

• India and the Maldives are bound by deep-rooted ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious, and trade ties that date back centuries, forming a strong and multifaceted relationship.
• Geographical proximity – Maldives is a tropical island nation located about 700 km southwest of the Indian mainland, southwest of Sri Lanka and India in the Indian Ocean.
• Its position near major sea routes makes it strategically significant for maritime security and international trade.

• Historical relations – It is widely believed that Sri Soorudasaruna Adeettiya, an Indian prince, established the earliest organized form of government in the Maldives.
• India was one of the earliest country to recognise Maldives after its independence in 1965.
• Political ties - India’s prompt assistance during the 1988 coup attempt, led to development of trust and long-term and friendly bilateral relations with the Maldives.
• Maldives is covered under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, which guides the management of India’s relations with countries in its immediate neighbourhood.

• Diplomatic ties - India diplomatic mission began in 1972 and appointed high commissioner in 1980 and Maldives established their High commission in New Delhi in 2004.
• India and Maldives are members of SAARC grouping.
• Economic ties – Addu Development Project involves improving water and sanitation systems on 34 islands, along with road development and land reclamation efforts.
  • Other initiatives - A port development project, 2 airport expansion projects, and Greater Male Connectivity Project.
• Cultural relations – Indian expatriates constitute a major part of the Maldivian workforce, especially in the fields of healthcare and education
• Security ties – India-Maldives military exercise Ekuverin strengthens defence ties between the 2 nations.
• Both are part of the Colombo security conclave.

• Humanitarian relations - India was the 1^st to assist Maldives during the 2004 Tsunami and water crisis in Male in Dec 2014.
• India’s rapid and comprehensive assistance to the Maldives during COVID- 19 pandemic further reinforced India’s credentials of being the “first responder”.

What are recent agreements in Indo-Maldives ties?

• Trade pacts – India launched talks on an Free trade talks with Maldives after sealing the FTA with United Kingdom.
• Capital support – India announced a new line of Credit of 4850 crore rupees to support the development.
• Fisheries development – A joint efforts in sustainable tuna fishing, deep-sea fisheries, aquaculture, and eco-tourism.
• Digitalising initiatives – It involves sharing India’s successful large-scale digital platforms with the Maldives.
  • For example, enabling digital transactions in the Maldives through India’s UPI system.
• Pharma collaborations – Facilitating access to Indian medicines and integrating Indian pharmacopoeia standards within Maldivian healthcare.
• Connectivity – India has introduced direct air connectivity to strengthen cooperation and boost tourism.
• Defence – India will also provide 72 heavy vehicles to the Maldivian Ministry of Defence.
• Social initiatives - India handed over 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale and have inaugurated a roads and drainage system project in Addu city.

What are key outcomes of recent agreements?

• Maritime security – It will help to curb the privacy, smuggling, terrorism in Indian Ocean region.
• Promotes tourism – Improved connectivity through direct flights and infrastructure projects enhances tourism flows between them thereby benefiting both countries’ economies.
• Enables digitalisation – By sharing India’s proven digital solutions like UPI, the Maldives advances its digital payment systems and overall technological infrastructure.
• Counters Chinese aggression – Strengthening bilateral relations helps India mitigate China’s expanding presence in the Indian Ocean like China’s “String of Pearls” strategy that aimed at securing strategic ports and assets.
• Boosts trade - Free trade agreement encourage greater economic collaboration and investment between India and the Maldives.

What lies ahead?

• India can take steps to pursue soft diplomacy to ensure continued relationship with Maldives.
• India’s economic ties with Maldives can be bolstered by finalizing free trade agreements benefitting both nations.

Reference

The Indian Express | India Maldives Agreements