In a historic turn of events, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has proven robust through a landslide victory in the parliamentary election in the Maldives. The MDP conquered a striking majority in the 87-Member People’s Majlis (Maldives Parliament), by securing more than two-thirds of the seats.
This not only reflects an overwhelming win for the MDP, but also provides significant support to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of the Maldives, a proud member of the MDP. This win is instrumental as it enables a smoother passage of bills and a realistic opportunity for policy agenda implementation.
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s Rise to Power
President Solih came into power after a presidential election that took place in September 2018. He succeeded his predecessor Abdulla Yameen, who was known for steering the Maldives towards China economically.
Rekindling India-Maldives Relations
Under the rule of Abdulla Yameen, the relationship between India and the Maldives had started to dwindle, with China reaping substantial benefits. However, with a new president in place, the ties between the two nations are warming up again. Since September 2018, there have been numerous bilateral visits between India and Maldives, with India’s Prime Minister attending President Solih’s swearing-in ceremony, and President Solih visiting India in December 2018.
Historical Context of India-Maldives Relation
India and the Maldives enjoy robust historical, cultural, and economic ties. After recognizing Maldives’ independence in 1965, India became one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with it. Financial and bilateral aid was reciprocated by the Maldives through an “India first” policy.
Significance of the Maldives for India
The Maldives holds a crucial position in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. Its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, adjacent to key shipping lanes, ensures constant energy supplies to nations like China, Japan, and India. More than 97% of India’s international trade by volume and 75% by value transits through this region.
| Aspect | Percentage |
|---|---|
| India’s International Trade by Volume | 97% |
| India’s International Trade by Value | 75% |
Cooperation between India and Maldives
As the predominant South Asian power and ‘net security provider’ in the Indian Ocean region, India finds it beneficial to cooperate with the Maldives, particularly in the sectors of security and defense. Maldivians also favor India as a preferred destination for education, medical treatment, business, and recreation.
SAARC and the Importance of the Maldives to India
The Maldives is also a member of the prestigious South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), a regional intergovernmental organization that was established in 1985. This includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. As of 2015, SAARC covers 3% of the world’s territory, supports 21% of the world’s population, and represents 9.12% of the global economy. The organization encourages economic development and regional integration.
Having the Maldives on board within SAARC is essential for India to maintain its leadership in the region, especially considering China’s naval expansion into the Indian Ocean. The Maldives stands at the hub of global geopolitics, and there is a significant Indian diaspora in the country, with countless Indians working across varied sectors, including hospitality, education, and healthcare.
