In early January 2025, India and the Maldives took steps to restore and enhance their defence cooperation. The meeting between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Maldivian Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon marked a very important moment in bilateral relations. This meeting followed a period of strained ties, particularly after the ‘India Out’ campaign led to a change in the Maldivian government in late 2023.
Background of India-Maldives Relations
Historically, India has played important role in the Maldives‘ defence and security. The relationship has fluctuated based on political changes within the Maldives. The recent shift in government led to a cooling of ties, with increased Chinese influence in the region. This meeting aimed to reaffirm India’s commitment to the Maldives as a strategic partner.
Defence Equipment Transfer
India handed over defence equipment and stores to the Maldives, which included utility vehicles and berthing equipment valued at Rs 35 crore. This transfer was initiated at the request of the Maldivian government and signifies India’s ongoing support to boost the Maldives’ defence capabilities.
Maritime Security Discussions
The two ministers discussed vital issues surrounding maritime security. They expressed concerns over the frequent docking of foreign vessels, particularly those from China, in Maldivian waters. India emphasised the importance of caution in granting permissions to foreign agencies, denoting the need for real-time information-sharing to enhance security.
Joint Defence Initiatives
The discussions also included the extension of leases for aviation platforms provided by India. Two Advanced Light Helicopters are currently used for medical evacuations in the Maldives. Additionally, the ministers reviewed the ‘Ekatha’ harbour project, Indian grant initiative aimed at improving the Maldives’ naval capabilities.
Commitment to Defence Cooperation
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive defence partnership. India pledged to support the Maldives in enhancing its defence preparedness through training and capacity-building initiatives. The meeting was viewed as a confidence-building measure that would invigorate bilateral relations.
Future Prospects
The meeting sets the stage for deeper cooperation between India and the Maldives. Both nations aim to work closely on defence and security matters, aligning with India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy and the vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
Significance of the Meeting
This meeting is not only for bilateral ties but also for the broader geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean region. Strengthening defence cooperation is crucial for countering external influences and ensuring regional stability.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy on its relations with neighbouring countries.
- What are the implications of increased Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean region? How does it affect India’s strategic interests?
- Estimate the role of maritime security in the defence strategies of small island nations like the Maldives.
- Point out the historical context of India-Maldives relations and its influence on current defence cooperation.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy on its relations with neighbouring countries.
- Focuses on enhancing strategic partnerships and encouraging goodwill through economic and security cooperation.
- Encourages India to be a first responder in crises, promoting stability in the region.
- Strengthens ties with nations like the Maldives, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, countering influence from other powers.
- Facilitates infrastructure projects and capacity-building initiatives, enhancing regional connectivity.
- Promotes a multilateral approach, engaging in dialogues to address common challenges like terrorism and climate change.
2. What are the implications of increased Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean region? How does it affect India’s strategic interests?
- Enhances China’s influence in South Asia, potentially challenging India’s historical dominance in the region.
- Increases competition for maritime resources and trade routes, affecting India’s economic interests.
- Heightens security concerns over Chinese naval presence and potential military bases in proximity to India.
- Challenges India’s strategic partnerships with smaller nations, leading to a shift in regional alliances.
- Forces India to strengthen its naval capabilities and enhance maritime security cooperation with allies.
3. Estimate the role of maritime security in the defence strategies of small island nations like the Maldives.
- Critical for safeguarding territorial waters from piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling activities.
- Essential for protecting economic interests, particularly in fisheries and tourism sectors.
- Facilitates international partnerships for capacity-building and training of local defence forces.
- Promotes regional stability and security, reducing vulnerability to external threats.
- Supports collaborative efforts in maritime surveillance and real-time information sharing with allies.
4. Point out the historical context of India-Maldives relations and its influence on current defence cooperation.
- Historically rooted in cultural and economic ties, with India providing support during crises.
- Political changes in the Maldives have led to fluctuating relationships, impacting defence collaboration.
- India’s role as a first responder has shaped perceptions of reliability and partnership in security matters.
- The recent ‘India Out’ campaign reflects local political sentiments influencing bilateral ties.
- Current cooperation is driven by mutual interests in countering external influences and ensuring regional stability.
