Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister inaugurated the National College for Policing and Law Enforcement (NCPLE) in the Maldives’ Addu City during a two-day visit. This project, among the largest funded by India in the island nation, signifies an evolution in the India-Maldives relationship.
Highlights of the recent India-Maldives Diplomatic Meet
The NCPLE’s main aim is to enhance cooperation between the two countries in addressing violent extremism and preventing radicalisation. Domestically, the academy will strengthen law enforcement and counter drug trafficking, a major concern in the Maldives.
A Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Maldives Police Service and India’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy will further enhance cooperation in training and capacity building. India has increased the available training slots for the Maldives at the police academy.
Additionally, India’s Exim Bank is funding the creation of police infrastructure facilities across the Maldives, worth over USD40 million. This includes the construction of 61 police stations, divisional headquarters, detention centres and barracks. An USD80-million contract was also signed for the Addu reclamation and shore protection project.
India-Maldives Relations – The Current State
The Maldives holds great geo-strategic importance for India due to its key location in the Indian Ocean. It is situated adjacent to two important Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs), which are vital for maritime trade flow between West Asia and Southeast Asia. Nearly 50% of India’s external trade and 80% of its energy imports pass through these SLOCs.
As a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC), the Maldives is an essential player in bilateral groupings and agreements.
India-Maldives Cooperation
Over the years, India has played a crucial role in maintaining security in the Maldives. It has provided emergency assistance on numerous occasions, such as during the 1988 coup attempt against President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, through Operation Cactus.
Moreover, when the Maldives faced natural disasters, such as the 2004 tsunami and the drinking water crisis in Male in 2014, India offered immediate assistance. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, India’s Vaccine Maitri initiative had the Maldives as its first beneficiary.
Economic Relations between India and Maldives
Tourism, the backbone of the Maldivian economy, sees regular Indian visitors. Many Indians also find employment opportunities in the Maldives. Furthermore, an Indian company, Afcons, recently signed a contract for the largest-ever infrastructure project in the Maldives – the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP).
Challenges in the India-Maldives Relationship
Political instability in the Maldives has been a significant concern for India, impacting its security and development. The arrest of opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed on terrorism charges in February 2015 sparked a political crisis and posed a challenge to India’s neighbourhood policy.
The rise of the radicalisation in the Maldives is another issue, with increasing numbers of Maldivians being drawn towards terrorist groups like the Islamic State (IS) and Pakistan-based Madrasas and jihadist groups.
China’s growing strategic footprint in the Maldives is a matter of concern for India. Given the uncertain dynamics of Sino-Indian relations, China’s strategic presence risks destabilising the region.
Looking Forward
Despite the challenges, India remains a key partner of the Maldives. It is crucial for India to ensure regional security in South Asia and its surrounding maritime boundaries. With the recent developments and ongoing projects, India seeks to strengthen its relationship with the Maldives, thereby ensuring stability and prosperity in the region.
With strategic efforts, India aims to nullify the limited support for the ‘India Out’ campaign and maintain its favourable relationship with the Maldives. This initiative requires India to deliver on its promises and convince the Maldivians about its intentions behind its projects in the island nation. Failure to do so could alter the domestic political situation in the Maldives and impact India’s ties adversely.
Understanding and responding appropriately to the dynamic nature of the India-Maldives relationship is key to maintaining strategic balance and fostering mutual growth.