🇮🇳🇲🇻 Shifting Tides of India-Maldives Diplomacy

Tags: GS-2 – Bilateral Relations, Groupings & Agreements, India's Neighborhood Policy

Source:IE

📌 Why in News?

After 2023, India and Maldives faced major tension in their diplomatic ties.
Maldives new President came to power with "India Out" campaign—asked Indian troops to leave and moved closer to China.
Some Maldivian ministers also insulted Indian PM, which angered Indian citizens—led to a tourism fall.
But recently, things are improving. PM Modi’s visit in July 2025 signals a reset in friendship.

🌊 How India-Maldives Relations Changed Over Time?

1. Early Relations (1965–1980s):

India was one of the first to recognize Maldives after independence in 1965.
In 1988, India helped Maldives in Operation Cactus—stopped a military coup. This showed India’s quick and reliable support.

2. Growing Ties (1990s–2000s):

India helped Maldives in health, education, and tourism.
Both worked together in SAARC and for disaster relief.

3. Strategic Shifts (2008–2012):

President Mohamed Nasheed became close to India.
After he was removed, new President Yameen got closer to China, causing worry to India.

4. Recent Times (2013–Now):

India helped during 2004 tsunami, Malé water crisis (2014), and during Covid-19.
But in 2023, President Muizzu rose to power on anti-India feelings.
In 2025, things are calming down again after PM Modi's visit and some new agreements.

✅ Key Areas of Cooperation Between India and Maldives

1. Economic & Financial Help

India gave Maldives ₹4,850 crore line of credit for big infrastructure projects.
Also, rolled over $50 million Treasury Bills to help their budget.
In 2024, India increased help by 50%.
Both signed a vision document for Economic & Maritime Security.

2. Infrastructure Projects

India is helping in Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP) and Thilamale Bridge.
Projects are important to reduce overcrowding and improve traffic in capital.
India is also building 65 community development projects across Maldives.

3. Maritime Defence & Security

Maldives is in a strategic location in Indian Ocean—important for India’s navy and shipping routes.
Despite tensions, joint exercises like “Dosti” with Sri Lanka continued in 2024.
India is also helping them with radars, search & rescue, and disaster response systems.

4. Tourism and People Ties

India is the top tourist source for Maldives.
Even after bad remarks in 2024, India still helped Maldives revive tourism.
Ferry services and air links are getting back to normal.

5. Climate Change Support

Maldives is at big risk from rising sea levels.
India helping with solar energy, eco-friendly bridges, and sustainable water/sewage systems.
28 islands got support from India for climate-resilient infrastructure.

⚠️ Areas of Conflict Between India and Maldives

1. China’s Increasing Role

Maldives signed big deals with China in defence and infrastructure.
In 2024, President Muizzu visited China—made their partnership “comprehensive strategic.”
China is building projects near Indian radar base (UTF)—this is alarming for India.

2. Maritime Survey Disputes

Maldives cancelled hydrography agreement with India in 2023, said it was about sovereignty.
It affects sea mapping, which is important for trade and environment.

3. Tourism Tensions

In 2024, Maldivian ministers insulted PM Modi—this led to #BoycottMaldives trend in India.
Indian tourists reduced by 37.47%.
Maldives lost big money because tourism is its main income.

4. Debt and Financial Dependence

Even after getting loans from India, Maldives asked China and Gulf countries for more help.
Their rising debt is a stress point, especially with China’s high-interest loans.

5. "India Out" Campaign

Indian soldiers were there for radar, aircraft support and rescue operations.
But Maldives said this was a violation of sovereignty.
The public started supporting “India Out” slogan during elections.

6. Fishing Disputes

India and Maldives both depend on fishing.
In 2024, Indian troops stopped a Maldivian fishing boat near their border—this caused anger.
These are sensitive issues for both countries.

💡 What India Should Do Next?

1. Soft Defence Ties

India should use civilian-led security support—radars, training, medical aid—not army troops.
This way, we don’t hurt their sovereignty feelings.

2. Co-Ownership in Projects

India can invite joint investments in big projects, instead of just giving aid.
This helps create trust and equal partnership.

3. Build People-to-People Links

Give student scholarships, language training, and youth exchange programs.
Use platforms like “Study in India” or ISA (solar alliance) to increase goodwill.

4. Eco-Tourism Corridors

Start joint tourism projects between Lakshadweep and Northern Maldives.
Focus on local jobs, culture, and sustainable tourism.

5. Regular Strategic Talks

Create an annual India-Maldives Summit and hotlines to avoid misunderstandings.
Discuss Chinese presence and maritime issues openly.

6. Debt & Financial Help Framework

India can start a regional debt support program—offering loans without political pressure.
A special India-Maldives Development Financing Facility can be useful.

7. Digital & Climate Tech Cooperation

India’s systems like UPI, DigiLocker can be given to Maldives.
Work on early climate warning and coral reef protection together.

8. Blue Economy Innovation

Start a joint Innovation Hub on fisheries, clean shipping, and marine biotech.
Support start-ups, fellowships, and joint research.

📝 Conclusion

India–Maldives ties have seen ups and downs, but they are too important to ignore.
Both share geography, culture, economy, and security interests.
As they say in diplomacy, “No permanent friends, no permanent enemies—only permanent interests.”
So, India should follow interest-based, respectful, and people-friendly policy with Maldives.
Let’s make the Indian Ocean a region of peace, prosperity, and partnership. 🌊🌍🤝

🧠 For Prelims:

🛡️ Operation Cactus (1988)
🌉 Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP)
🚤 “Dosti” Exercise (India–Maldives–Sri Lanka)
📍 UTF Base, Thilamale Bridge
🌍 SAARC, Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs)

🇮🇳🇲🇻 India–Maldives Diplomacy: FAQ Section

GS Paper 2 – UPSC Mains/Prelims Ready

❓1. Why are India–Maldives relations important?

Answer:
Because of:

Maldives’ location in Indian Ocean—important for India’s maritime security.
Strong tourism, trade, defence and people-to-people links.
Maldives is part of India’s "Neighbourhood First" and "Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)" policy.

❓2. What was Operation Cactus?

Answer:
In 1988, India sent armed forces to stop a coup attempt in Maldives.
It proved India is a trustworthy security partner in the region.

❓3. What is the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP)?

Answer:
It’s a biggest infrastructure project in Maldives, funded by India.
It will connect Malé city to nearby islands by bridges and roads—reducing congestion and improving economy.

❓4. What is the "India Out" campaign?

Answer:
A political movement in Maldives that demanded removal of Indian military personnel.
It gained popularity in 2023, used during elections by President Muizzu to win votes.

❓5. How did China become involved in Maldives?

Answer:

Maldives signed strategic agreements with China in ports, debt, and infrastructure.
In 2024, Maldives–China relations were upgraded to “comprehensive strategic partnership.”
This is seen as a challenge to India’s influence in the region.

Header Ads

Shifting Tides in India–Maldives Relations: Diplomacy, Defence & China’s Influence