Manisha asked: What is the importance of Maldives for India? What has been India’s role in recent developments over there?

Anand Kumar replies: The importance of Maldives for India can never be over-emphasised. Maldives is an important member of SAARC. It is strategically located along major sea lanes in the Indian Ocean. A significant portion of world trade takes place through the Indian Ocean. All the energy supplies coming from Gulf nations pass through this area. After the democratically elected government of Mohamed Nasheed was replaced in an alleged coup, Maldives has been facing political uncertainty. Though India wants political stability and multi-party democracy to return to the country, it has no role in the ongoing developments in Maldives.