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India-Maldives Defence Cooperation

India-Maldives Defence Cooperation

India-Maldives Defence Cooperation: India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during talks with the Maldivian Defence Minister, reaffirmed India’s commitment to enhancing the Maldives’ defence capabilities by providing defence equipment and platforms. 

This move reflects India’s “Neighborhood First” policy and strengthening bilateral security and defence cooperation between the two nations.

About Maldives

It is a low-lying island country in the north-central Indian Ocean. 

Its closest neighbors are India, about 600 kilometers north-east, and Sri Lanka, about 645 kilometers north-east.

Geography:

It consists of a chain of about 1,200 small coral islands and sandbanks (some 200 inhabited), grouped in clusters, or atolls.

The atolls have sandy beaches, lagoons, and a luxuriant growth of coconut palms, breadfruit trees, and tropical bushes.

The islands extend more than 510 miles (820 km) from north to south and 80 miles (130 km) from east to west.

None of the coral islands stand more than 1.8 meters (six feet) above sea level.

Barrier reefs protect the islands from the destructive effects of monsoons. 

Capital: Male

Languages: 

The official language is an Indo-European language called Dhivehi (or Maldivian).

Arabic, Hindi, and English are also spoken.

Islam is the state religion.

Economy: It revolves mainly around tourism.

Constitutional Framework: The constitution of the Maldives was adopted in 2008.

How is the India-Maldives Defence Cooperation? 

Historical Context: India has been a key defense partner of the Maldives, often acting as the first responder in times of crisis. 

This was demonstrated by Operation Cactus in 1988, where India intervened to prevent a coup attempt in the Maldives, and during the 2004 tsunami. 

The “Neighborhood First” policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision underline India’s proactive approach to fostering regional security. 

In October 2023, India announced the free refit of the Maldivian Coast Guard Ship Huravee, signifying mutual trust. 

India has handed over a coastal radar system to the Maldives, comprising 10 radar stations built with a USD 15.8 million Indian grant. 

Training and Capacity Building: India provides about 70% of the MNDF training needs, with over 1,500 MNDF personnel trained in various Indian defense academies.  

Key bilateral exercises like “Ekuverin” and “Ekatha,” along with trilateral exercises such as “Dosti” (including India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives) are conducted to enhance operational synergy and interoperability. 

India-Maldives Bilateral Relations

Political Relations: India was one of the first countries to recognize the Maldives post-independence in 1965 and established its diplomatic mission in Malé in 1972. 

They are founding members of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and signatories to the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)

Trade and Economy: India and Maldives signed a trade agreement in 1981, boosting bilateral trade. 

In 2024, India extended USD 400 million in support and a bilateral currency swap of Rs 3,000 crore to the Maldives, reinforcing its economic assistance. Additionally, the State Bank of India rolled over USD 100 million of Treasury Bills for the Maldives. 

India became the Maldives’ 2nd largest trade partner in 2022 and the largest in 2023. 

Visa-free entry for Indian business travelers in 2022 further enhanced commercial relations. 

Tourism: Tourism is crucial to the Maldivian economy, contributing about a quarter of GDP and nearly 70% of total employment (direct and indirect). 

India became the largest source of tourists to the Maldives, with Indians leading tourism contributions for three consecutive years (2020, 2021, and 2022). 

In March 2022, India and Maldives agreed to an open skies arrangement to enhance connectivity between the two countries.

What is the Significance of India-Maldives Cooperation? 

Geographical Significance: The Maldives sits at a critical position in the Indian Ocean, acting as a “toll gate” between the western chokepoints (Gulf of Aden and Strait of Hormuz) and the eastern chokepoint (Strait of Malacca).  

This proximity to major international shipping lanes makes it a crucial partner for India, as around 50% of its external trade and 80% of its energy imports transit through these routes. 

The Maldives, located south of India, is crucial for monitoring maritime traffic and enhancing regional security

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