On 21st February, 2020, an important meeting took place between the Home Ministers of India and Maldives. The primary agenda was to discuss cooperation in the areas of security and law enforcement. This article delves deeper into the significance of the interaction, might be effects of the agreements made, and general relations between the two nations.
Key Elements Addressed in The Meeting
Mr. Sheikh Imran Abdulla, the Home Minister of Maldives, met his Indian counterpart to converse about pertinent issues linked to both nations’ mutual interest areas. They primarily focussed on security aspects and strategies to bolster law enforcement cooperation. They welcomed the expanding bilateral collaboration in areas involving policing and law enforcement, counter-terrorism, counter-radicalization, organized crime, drug trafficking, and capacity building.
India to Assist Maldives Establish Enforcement Directorate
The Directorate of Enforcement, India, will help establish a similar organization in Maldives to improve their ability to monitor and prevent criminal activities. Additionally, they would guide Maldives in introducing infrastructure for the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). The Directorate of Enforcement is a multi-disciplinary body responsible for enforcing the provisions of two fiscal laws- Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) and PMLA.
Significance of Maldives for India
Just about 70 nautical miles away from the southernmost island of Lakshadweep, Maldives is strategically critical for India. It is located in the center of commercial sea-lanes that manage a significant fraction of India’s international trade volume. With China’s naval expansion into the Indian Ocean, the strategic importance of Maldives has grown manifolds, it also aligns with India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy. Furthermore, Maldives has always stood its ground with an ‘India First’ policy.
Contributions of Indian Diaspora in Maldives
The Indian diaspora has a significant presence in Maldives, contributing largely to hospitality, education, and healthcare sectors, which are vital industries in the island nation’s economy.
South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC)
Maldives along with Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka forms the SASEC Program set up in 2001 to improve cross-border connectivity, boost trade, and strengthen regional economic cooperation. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) serves as the secretariat for this program.
India-Maldives Bilateral Relationships Across Various Fields
India and Maldives share historical connections encompassing ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious, and commercial aspects. Defense cooperation also plays a significant role, with India meeting around 70% of the defense training requirements for the Maldivian National Defense Force (MNDF). Trade relations have been robust as well, with India ranking as the fourth largest trade partner for Maldives. Tourism is another area where India contributes significantly, ranking as the fifth largest source of tourist arrivals.
India’s Support in Times of Crisis
India has extended its support to Maldives during several crises, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2014 Male water crisis. In 1988, India activated Operation Cactus, responding to a request from Maldives to ensure regime continuity in Male.
