The Maldives government, diverging from the previous ‘India First’ stance, has chosen to discontinue the hydrography agreement originally struck with India. Citing primary concerns for national security and the protection of sensitive information, the decision reflects a shift in the nation’s international relations. The original agreement was signed on June 8, 2019, during a visit by the Indian Prime Minister to the Maldives. As per this pact, India was authorized to conduct an expansive study of Maldives’s territorial waters, encompassing factors such as reefs, lagoons, coastlines, ocean currents, and tide levels. A third Joint hydrographic survey was completed by the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), undertaken by an Indian Naval Ship Investigator (INS Investigator) from January 19th to February 26th, 2023. Further, the current Maldivian government has now requested India to withdraw its military personnel stationed in the island nation.
The Maldives Government’s Strategic Shift
In a noticeable detour from its ‘India First’ policy, the present Maldives’ government has decided against renewing the hydrography agreement with India. This policy decision has been justified by mentioning national security reasons and the necessity of keeping sensitive information secure.
Origins of the Hydrography Agreement
The hydrographic survey agreement was first inked on June 8, 2019. The signing ceremony took place during a diplomatic visit by the Indian Prime Minister to the Maldives, representing the close ties between the two nations.
Provisions under the Agreement
The original agreement granted India the right to carry out an exhaustive analysis of the Maldivian territorial waters. This covered a wide range of natural features such as reefs, lagoons, coastlines, and extended to studying oceanic currents and tide levels that could have strategic and commercial significance.
The Role of the Indian Navy and the MNDF
In line with the provisions of the agreement, the Indian Navy along with the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) carried out a third joint hydrographic survey. The survey was conducted by the Indian Naval Ship Investigator (INS Investigator) over a period from the 19th of January to the 26th of February in 2023.
Further Developments
Adding to the series of changes in their diplomatic relations, the current government of the Maldives has formally requested India to withdraw its military personnel who have been stationed on the island. This request is seen as another step by the nation to redraw its international strategies and ties.
India-Maldives Relations Moving Forward
The non-renewal of the hydrography agreement and request for withdrawal of military personnel signify a significant change in India-Maldives relations. As both nations negotiate these developments, observers are keenly watching how these actions steer the course of their relationship in the years to come.
