Maldives

share deep rooted civilizational & geographical ties
since India’s recognition of Maldives independence in 1965 & role in thwarting the 1988 coup (Operation Cactus), relations have expanded across defence, trade, disaster relief, regional maritime security
amid inc external influence, Maldives remains pivotal to India’s IOR strategy

Overview

Economic: India is largest trade partner in 2023
- $1B bilateral trade
- India gave $100M aid 2022
Defence: india trains 70% MNDF; gave radar networks, Composite Training Centre, 2016 Defence action plan
Disaster response: 2004 Tsunami, 2014 Water crisis, send aid under Op. Sanjeevani
Developmental aid: funded Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital,
- Maldives Institute of Technical Education
- Greater Male Connectivity Project
Health: Jan Aushadhi Kendra

Significance for India

strategic location: IO Trade lanes
SLoC control: energy supply, maritime security
Energy security: uninterrupted oil/gas flows from Gulf
Check on china’s SoP strategy
Maritime cooperation: joint patrol, intelligence sharing
diplomatic leverage: aid, infrastructure, P2P links
geopolitical competition: w/ China

Recent strides

vision for Comprehensive Economic & Maritime Security Partnership
continued support for GMCP, Thilafushi Port, Hanimaadhoo Airport
talks on FTA, local currency trade, RuPay, SAARC Swap Agreement
health coop via Indian Medicines, Jan Aushadhi

Issues

Issue	Details
Radicalization	200+ Maldivians joined ISIS
Chinese influence	Debt trap projects eg. $200M Friendship Bridge (SoP)
Economic stagnation	due to COVID 19
Political instability	India Out, affects bilateral perception
Defence tensions	India withdrew personnel after new leadership demand
	Hydrographic pact not renewed

way forward

diplomatic engagement
deepen economic links, sustainable investments, aid
transparent security ties, avoid overt military presence, focus on cooperative security
counter chinese projects: offer viable, debt free infra alternatives
promote soft power, expand cultural, educational & digital links eg. RuPay cards, scholarships