As part of strengthening India-Maldives relations, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Khaleel recently reviewed the progress of the comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership. This marked Khaleel’s third visit to India in 2025.
Historical Background of India-Maldives Relations
India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious, and commercial links that trace their origin to ancient times. The name Maldives is made up of the Sanskrit words (Mala (garland) + Dweep (Island)). The islands have been inhabited as early as the 5th century BC by settlers from Sri Lanka and Southern India. India and the Maldives had strong trade relations during ancient and medieval times.
1965– India was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with Maldives after its independence.
1978- President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom made many visits to India to strengthen bilateral relations.
1988- India helped with its troops and ships, Gayoom prevented a coup attempt by Maldives businessmen along with Sri Lanka Tamil fighters.
2008- During his tenure, India began closer security cooperation with Maldives.
2013- Abdulla Yameen as president strained bilateral relations. He made close relations with China and signed several agreements and investments.
2018- Ibrahim Mohamed Solih came to power and took India’s first policy stance.
Significance of Maldives for India?
Maldives hold enormous significance for India. The importance of Maldives for India is as follows-
(i) Geo-Economic Significance- Maldives location is strategic as it is at the crossroads of several critical trade routes in the Indian Ocean. Half of India’s external trade and more than 75% of India’s energy imports pass through the Sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) close to the Maldives.
(ii) Geo-Political Significance- Both are members of many regional groupings. Maldives is a member of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), SAARC, SASEC and SAGAR initiative of India. Maldives supports India’s permanent membership of the UNSC.
(iii) Security Significance- Maldives helps India fight against terrorism, piracy on the high seas, drug trafficking, narcotics, and other maritime crime. Its geographical location makes it an ”entry and exit point” between the western Indian Ocean and the eastern Indian Ocean.
(iv) Indian Diaspora Significance- There is a large population of India working in education, medical care systems, tourism and hospitality sectors.
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Challenges in India-Maldives Relations
(i) Political Challenges- The president-elect, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the former president Abdulla Yameen were supporters ‘India Out‘ Campaign. Both want to remove India’s military from Maldives. If they come to power in Maldives, it will become a major challenge for India.
(ii) Radicalisation- Many Maldives citizens became part of violent extremist organisations such as the Islamic State (IS). Increment is seen in the recruits joining jihadi groups in Pakistan over the last few years. Terrorist organisations based in Pakistan leverage Maldives as a base for attacks on India and Indian assets.
(iii) Growing Chinese Influence- Maldives is an important ‘pearl’ in China’s ‘String of Pearls’ policy in South Asia. Returning in the power of the pro-Chinese government in Maldives will diminish India’s diplomatic space in the region.
(iv) Climate Change- Both are low-lying island nations, are sensitive to the effects of rising sea levels and marine heatwaves. Maldives even faces the risk of submergence.
Way forward
(i) Engage with the newly elected government- India must maintain good relations newly elected government and address its concerns. Also, India should clearly state that the projects being undertaken are for the betterment of the people of Maldives. Ex- The redevelopment project at Hanimadhoo will ameliorate tourist inflow as both the runway and terminal capacity will expand.
(ii) Increase the development assistance- India should invest heavily to develop Maldives. Also, it should focus on projects that have the potential to make a big impact on its general population. As a result, this will ensure India’s goodwill among the people of Maldives.
(iii) Timely Completion of Infrastructure Projects- Timely completion of infrastructure projects will offer a trustworthy and lucrative alternative to Chinese projects. For eg- Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP)
(iv) Target Youth Employment- India’s High Impact Community Development Projects (HICPs) in Maldives must include projects that strive to ameliorate employability and enhance entrepreneurship among the youth. Eventually, threats of radicalisation and extremism will be warded off.
(v) Increase in India’s Development aid- India should consistently provide fiscal aid and assistance to Maldives to prevent the debt crisis and economic catastrophe in Maldives.
Conclusion
The turnaround in Maldives-India relations is evidence of the power of prudent diplomacy over muscular posturing. It underscores the importance of sensitive and nuanced engagement in international relations. As Prime Minister Modi aptly put it, India remains the ‘first responder’ for the Maldives in times of need, reaffirming the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.