Strained Ties: India-Maldives Relations Amidst Controversy and Diplomatic Challenges
The recent trip of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Lakshadweep sparked controversy, putting further strain on India-Maldives relations. The incident arose when three Maldivian deputy ministers in the Ministry of Youth Affairs made disparaging remarks against India and the Prime Minister after his recent visit to Lakshadweep.
The ministers’ comments have caused outrage in India, with many celebrities pushing people to visit domestic tourism locations rather than the Maldives. The episode highlights the perils of hyper-nationalism in the region as well as the importance of two South Asian neighbors working together on a large scale.
What is the significance of India-Maldives relations?
The Maldives’ proximity to India’s west coast, as well as its location in the center of commercial water lanes running through the Indian Ocean, make it strategically important to India. It serves as the focal point for the Indian government’s initiatives under the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy.’ The Maldives is also a major beneficiary of India’s Neighborhood First Policy.
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The Maldives is India’s significant maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and it plays an important role in projects such as SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
The Maldives’ proximity to India, just 70 nautical miles from the island of Minicoy in Lakshadweep and 300 nautical miles from the mainland’s western coast, as well as its location in the center of commercial sea lanes running through the Indian Ocean, make it strategically important.
India operates and maintains radars, helicopters, and planes in the Maldives, with some being used for medical evacuations. The Indian Navy also monitors the Indian Ocean waters. Currently, there are approximately 70 Indian military soldiers in the Maldives. The first helicopter is managed by up to 24 military men, the Dornier by 25, the second helicopter by 26, and maintenance and engineering by two.
India happened to be the first to assist Maldives during the 2004 Tsunami and a decade later that stood true even during the water crisis in Malé in December 2014.
Economic Engagements
India is one of the main suppliers of visitors to the Maldives, which relies largely on tourism to support its economy. In 2023, India had the largest number of tourists visiting the Maldives (2,09,198), accounting for around 11.8% of the total market. India became the Maldives’ second-largest trading partner in 2022. The bilateral trade exceeded USD 300 million for the first time in 2021.
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The aftermath of the ongoing Lakshadweep Issue
This row has prompted many Indians to cancel their Maldives vacation plans. This instance highlights the risks of hyper-nationalism in the region. The Maldives tourism sector would be “concerned” about the possible consequences of this controversy.
The ‘India Out’ campaign aims to exacerbate enmity by raising doubts about India’s investments in the Maldives, the two countries’ defense relations, and India’s security measures in the area. The newly elected Maldivian government rejects the previous administration’s ‘India First’ strategy, to the point where the departure of Indian troops was included in Muizzu’s election program.
President Muizzu claimed in December of last year that after consulting with the Indian administration, an agreement was made to evacuate Indian military soldiers.
Muizzu accused his predecessor of undermining national sovereignty by allowing India to station military forces in the Maldivian islands.
In a recent interview with the Times of India, the president stated that if India did not withdraw its forces, it would be disrespecting the Maldivian people’s “democratic will” and jeopardizing the survival of democracy.
Conclusion: The Way Ahead
At the outset, the agenda must stress regular and constructive diplomatic discussions to address concerns, establish confidence, and promote open communication. Building on the positive parts of the Gujral Doctrine, India should maintain and strengthen regional partnerships and cooperation for mutual benefit. The ‘India Out’ campaign now has only a small number of supporters, but the Indian government cannot take this for granted.
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Bilateral relations’ strength is determined by a partner government’s ability to gain popular support for its initiatives. As a development partner, India should provide consistent assistance to the Maldives in achieving their goals of broad-based socioeconomic development and the establishment of democratic and independent institutions in the region.
