Context:

• This article is based on an Editorial “Engaging with Maldives: India must further deepen cooperation to foster greater interdependencies with the island nation” which was published in the Financial Express. Recently, the Maldives’ new president requested formally from India for the withdraw of its military presence from the Maldives.
• It seems a setback to India’s efforts to counter China‘s growing influence. 

India Maldives Relations – Significance of Maldives for India

• Location: Maldives is a key maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean.

• Security: Maldives has a special place in India’s vision for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and Neighbourhood First policy. 
  • As in the Indian Ocean, the Sino-Indian rivalry is perhaps the keenest. 

India Maldives Relations – Significance of India for Maldives

• Significant Line of Credit: The fresh line of credit of $400 million and a grant of $100 million to help build a sea bridge to connect three islands with the capital Male, which will generate employment and strengthen the economy. 
• Development: India’s aid is transparent and serves the developmental interests of Maldives. 
• Humanitarian Aid: India has contributed substantially in areas like people’s welfare, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. 
• Maritime Security: During the last five years, more than 450 multi-faceted missions have been carried out to safeguard the maritime security of Maldives.

Also Read: Maldives’ Political Shift: Implications for India Maldives Relation

India Maldives Relations – India’s Efforts for Maldives

• Rapid and All-Time Help Provider: India has been the first responder for the Maldives notably during the coup attempt in 1988, the tsunami of 2004, and drinking water crisis in 2014. 
  • Under Operation Sanjeevani, during the COVID-19 pandemic, India sent in rapid-response medical teams and supplied essential medicines. 
• Coordinated Solutions: As per Indian government officials, both governments would discuss workable solutions for continued cooperation while serving the interests of the people of Maldives. 
• Gift of Indigenous Vessels: India’s Defense Minister visited the Maldives in May and handed over a fast patrol vessel and landing craft as a symbol of the shared commitment of the two countries towards peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Attended Swear-in Ceremony: India’s Earth Sciences Minister attended Maldives’ new President’s swearing-in ceremony, and discussed the issue of military personnel.
  • They are present for operating aircraft for medical evacuation and counter-drug trafficking purposes. 

Challenges for India

• China Factor: The major concern is the pro-China tilt of Maldives.
  • For the new Maldivian President, the Belt and Road Initiative provides a much-needed opportunity for the country’s economic development and bilateral relations.

The Path Ahead

• Cooperation and Engagement: India must continue to step up development cooperation and engage with the Maldives. 
• Infrastructure Development: India should contribute to infrastructure development in the Maldives.

Conclusion:

The relations and behavior cannot be impacted by the changing political complexion, as the regimes in the Maldives have been in favor of greater engagement with India. The ebbs and flows of the China factor in the Indo-Maldives relations are one of the best indicators that there is no real setback to India’s efforts to defend its sphere of influence in the Indian Ocean and the South Asian region.