India-Maldives Relations

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  • India and Maldives: Ties Must Be Consolidated

    India and Maldives: Ties Must Be Consolidated

    President Yameen decision to visit India soon after his election in November 2013, is an indication that he wants to put India-Maldives relations on a positive track which had received a setback since President Nasheed was deposed in 2011. A notable feature of the visit was a joint declaration recognising India-Maldivian cooperation not only in the context of South Asia but also in the context of the Indian Ocean.

    January 13, 2014

    Amit Nayak asked: What is the future of India's political, military and economic clout in the Maldives after the GMR fiasco? Did India loose out something big?

    Anand Kumar replies: Though GMR was a private Indian company working in Maldives only to further its corporate interests, but it also symbolised the engagement of Indian business community with the Maldives. Definitely, the GMR fiasco has caused an uncertainty in the bilateral relations. Maldives had also signed a defence agreement with China while the GMR row was still on. Clearly, a much larger game is on and it is not related only to the economics of GMR running the airport in Male. It is bound to impact India’s political, military and economic ties with the Maldives.

    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.

    Eminem asked: Why should India be concerned about the evolving situation in Maldives?

    Anand Kumar replies: India should be concerned as Maldives has come under the control of forces that may not be as friendly as the previous regime was. Though the new president has paid visit to India, it has been noticed that there are voices trying to undermine the interests of Indian companies, like the GMR. It is feared that this could only be the beginning. India should also be concerned about the rising power of Islamists in the country. They are not only supporting the present government but are also gaining in influence within the country. The political flux in Maldives will also encourage other external forces, like China and Pakistan, to strengthen their hold in the country.

    Developments in the Maldives and India’s Options

    Knowing how slippery the democratic playfield can be and having a sense of who actually has fouled, as a sort of friendly referee, India should award a free kick to the player who has been knocked down.

    February 21, 2012

    India and the Maldivian Malady

    The challenge before India is to make sure that it stands on the side of popular aspirations, democratic and secular values and representative forces in its immediate periphery.

    February 15, 2012

    The Imperative of Deep Engagement with Maldives

    India must deal with the situation in a calm and mature manner since an unstable Maldives can have serious regional security implications as well as impact upon India’s security.

    February 13, 2012

    India, Maldives and the Indian Ocean

    The August 2009 bilateral pact will fortify the security of the Maldives as well as cater to Indian security concerns on the terrorism and geopolitical fronts.

    October 13, 2009

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