10 January 2025 : Daily Answer Writing

Q1) It is paramount for India to ensure that domestic political changes in the neighbourhood do not change the basic structure of bilateral ties or affect regional stability. Discuss in the context of recent divergences in India-Maldives relations. (150 Words/10 Marks)

ANSWER:

Since the recent election of President Mohamed Muizzu in the Maldives, relations between India and the Maldives have faced new tensions.

Recent divergences and overall challenges in India – Maldives relation:

1. Recent divergences:

a. President Muizzu had campaigned for the elections on an ‘India Out’ platform, calling for the removal of Indian military personnel from the islands and reviewing security ties with India;

b. Indian PM’s visit to the Lakshadweep islands caused controversy – comparison of Maldives with Lakshadweep as a tourist destination leading to mudslinging on social media; as a result, Indian tourists fell to 5th position in tourist arrivals to the Maldives

c. undiplomatic words used by ministers in Maldives against Indian PM;

d. concern over the Chinese spying vessel docked at the Maldives port

 

2. However, there are also many historical and fundamental challenges in the ties:

a. Maldives’ unsteady policy towards India – depends on a pro-China government [e.g., Abdulla Yameen’s administration or current president Muizzu] or a pro-India government [e.g., Ibu Solih].

b. Maldives is an essential ‘pearl’ in China’s ‘String of Pearls’ strategy; with a pro-China government, India’s strategic and diplomatic space will reduce in the region.

c. Economic and infrastructure investments – (a) China’s growing economic presence + debt-trap diplomacy; (b) trade imbalance between India and the Maldives.

d. Other challenges include (a) growing threat of radicalization and terrorism; piracy and maritime security; climate change as an emerging threat for both nations.

 

However, there is a need to protect the bilateral ties due to its significance:

1. Geo-Economic: Maldives is strategically located in the Indian Ocean; 50% of India’s external trade and 80% of energy imports transit through the vicinity of the Maldives.

 2. Geo-Political: (a) Maldives has been a partner of India in many regional groupings – Colombo Security Conclave (CSC); Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA); SAARC; SASEC; SAGAR initiative; (b) Maldives supports India’s permanent membership of UNSC.

3. Security: (a) Maldives is vital in defence against terrorism, piracy, drug trafficking, etc.; (b) Maldives location makes it a ‘toll gate’ between the choke points of the Gulf of Aden & the Strait of Hormuz and Strait of Malacca.

4. Indian Diaspora: sizeable Indian Diaspora in Maldives as numerous Indians are employed in Maldives’ education, medical care systems, tourism and hospitality sector.

 

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