India-Maldives Ties: The Story So Far

Context: 

This editorial is based on the news “Choppy waters: On India-Maldives ties” which was published in The Hindu. This article highlights challenges between India-Maldives relations in the current scenario and also mentions the significance of negotiations and engagements in resolving issues between the countries.

India-Maldives Ties: Explaining the Story So Far

• Present Maldivian President used the “India Out” campaign slogan during the election phase.
• He prioritized his visits to Türkiye, the UAE and China over India.
• Derogatory remarks by Maldivian Ministers on India and Indian Prime Minister (took Indian PM’s visit to Lakshadweep as a call for Indian tourists to boycott Maldives). 
• The tussle over Indian troops stationed in Maldives. 
• Welcome of Chinese “research” ship Xiang Yang Hong 03 in the Indian Ocean, that is expected to dock in Maldives in February. 
  • Maldives also welcomed a visit by the commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, who presented equipment.

India’s Action of Negotiations

• For India, neighborhood first policy focuses on helping according to its neighbor’s priorities. Despite Maldives pushback and hyper nationalist calls within India, India is continuously engaging with the Maldivian government. 
• Establishment of a Core Group: The Indian Prime Minister met Maldivian President in December and set up a high-level core group for bilateral negotiations on tricky issues. 
• External Affairs Meet: The Indian External Affairs Minister also met with his Maldivian counterpart last week. 
• Example of Success of Negotiation: Earlier, India objected to visits by Chinese “research” vessels to Sri Lanka and managed to ensure that Sri Lanka banned, from 2024, all foreign research ships, that are believed to collect data for military and civilian purposes, from docking there. 

Maldives Map & Islands in Indian Ocean

Need To Do Resolving India-Maldives Ties

• Focus on Mutual Benefit: While sovereignty is paramount for any country, it is important that the two sides see the benefit of a détente over confrontation. 
• Tackle Concerns: Both sides realize that their tensions are merely symptoms of problems that could get larger: one, a regional power that aspires to be a global power, and the other, an archipelago dependent for its economic and regional security needs on external forces.

Conclusion

The Maldives decision to invite the Xiang Yang Hong 03, but not to allow it more than a routine port call is hopefully a sign that quiet diplomacy is working. It is hoped that both countries would soon realize their mutual trust and benefits.