• UGI USER
  • Oct 14, 2023
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Bound by history, Geography

Relevance

  • GS Paper 2: India and its Neighborhood- Relations.
  • Tags: #IndiaMaldives #IndianExpressEditorialAnalysis #UPSC #CurrentAffairs

Why in the News?

The relationship between India and the Maldives is deeply rooted in history and geography. However, recent developments in the Maldives have raised concerns about potential changes in this relationship.

India-Maldives Relations: A Steady Friendship

  • The news about Maldives may not be all good, but India and Maldives share a strong, long-standing friendship.
  • Even with changes in Maldives’ leadership, the core of our relationship remains the same.
  • Throughout history, we’ve had a close and friendly bond, with a few minor obstacles along the way. Let’s not rush to judgment about the current situation.

Maldives’ Vulnerability to Rising Seas

  • Maldives, with its 1,200 islands covering just 0.4% of its 90,000 sq km area, is highly vulnerable to rising sea levels.
  • Experts warn that 80% of the Maldives could vanish by 2050 due to global warming.
  • Located just 70 nautical miles away, India is the closest neighbor, making it a crucial ally for Maldives in times of need.
  • Geography, as noted by philosopher Ibn Khaldun, indeed plays a defining role in shaping the destiny and close ties between our two nations.

Challenges to Democracy in Maldives

  • Despite a high literacy rate of 98%, Maldives faces democratic challenges due to contradictions.
  • Its constitution prevents non-Sunnis from becoming citizens.
  • There are issues like patronage, rising drug abuse, a skewed job market, growing inequality, economic reliance on external factors, and a concerning trend of religious extremism.

India’s Historical Role in Maldives

  • Throughout history, India has been a consistent and vital factor in Maldives. Historically, when Maldives practiced Buddhism, India was intertwined with its culture.
  • Even during the British protectorate from 1887 to 1965, Maldives relied on India for essentials and external communication.
  • The State Bank of India played a significant role in financing and bolstering the country’s tourist economy, and it remains the largest bank in Maldives.
  • Whether during the attempted coup in 1988 or ongoing assistance, India has provided unwavering support without intervening in internal matters.
  • Maldives’ reliance on India’s unconditional aid has contributed to its status as a nation with the highest per capita income in South Asia.

Strong Defense Collaboration between Maldives and India

  • Maldives acknowledges the extensive cooperation with India.
  • The defense partnership goes beyond receiving helicopters; it focuses on capacity-building.
  • This includes joint exercises like Ekuverin and Ekatha, training 1,400 MNDF trainers, and enhancing disaster management.
  • India provides substantial security assistance in exchange for friendship and trust, reinforcing their strong bond.

India’s Crucial Support in Times of Crisis

  • During critical moments like the 1988 coup, 2004 tsunami, and 2014 water shortage, India was the first to provide vital assistance.
  • Indian teachers and doctors make significant contributions to education and healthcare, especially in remote islands. India is a major partner in trade and tourism.
  • Projects like enhancing connectivity to Greater Male showcase India’s commitment to elevating Maldives’ infrastructure.
  • Moreover, India supplies essential items in bulk, including rice, wheat flour, sugar, vegetables, and even construction materials as a special arrangement, demonstrating their unwavering support.

India’s Vital Role in Defending Maldives

  • India plays a crucial role in protecting Maldives against threats like terrorism, piracy, drug trafficking, and maritime crime.
  • In contrast, China’s involvement primarily serves its own interests, by providing loans, China creates debt traps, allowing it to gain influence.
  • China’s meddling in Maldives’ internal politics and support for conservative groups could hinder the development of a robust democracy.
  • It appears that some elements in Maldives are aligning with China for personal gain, which may not benefit the nation in the long term.
  • India’s commitment to Maldives’ security and sovereignty remains pivotal.

Preserving India-Maldives Relations

  • India is dedicated to its commitment to Maldives and has worked diligently to strengthen this partnership.
  • It’s crucial not to hastily disrupt this valuable relationship.
  • Past actions, like the 2012 “GMR out” campaign, proved costly for Maldives.
  • The Yameen era, marked by a pro-China policy, led to a significant debt crisis. Maintaining friendly ties is in the best interest of both nations.

What Lies Ahead for India-Maldives Relations

  • With President-designate Mohamed Muizzu, a Western-educated engineer, set to lead, drastic shifts in India-Maldives relations seem unlikely. Yameen, now under house arrest, was his predecessor.
  • Elections are fueled by emotions and promises, but governing reveals practical realities. Muizzu may recognize the repercussions of straining India’s relationship.

Taking India for granted could be costly. A valuable lesson,those who ignore history risk repeating it. Both nations should work to strengthen their enduring friendship.

Maldives

  • Maldives, an archipelago of 1,192 coral islands, is nestled in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka.
  • With its islands scattered across 90,000 square kilometers, the Maldives holds the distinction of being one of the world’s most geographically dispersed nations.
  • As the world’s lowest-lying country, its highest point barely reaches 2.4 meters above sea level.

Climate

  • The Maldives basks in a tropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year.
  • The average temperature hovers around a comfortable 28 degrees Celsius, with minimal variation.
  • Two monsoon seasons grace the islands: the northeast monsoon from December to March and the southwest monsoon from May to September.

Economy

  • Tourism reigns supreme in the Maldivian economy, contributing over 28% of the GDP.
  • The country is renowned for its opulent resorts, pristine beaches, and mesmerizing turquoise waters.
  • Fishing also plays a vital role in the economy, providing sustenance for many Maldivians.

Culture

  • Islam holds a prominent place in Maldivian culture, with the majority of the population adhering to the faith.
  • The country boasts a vibrant heritage of music, dance, and artisanal crafts.
  • Dhivehi, the Maldivian language, is spoken by all Maldivians and shares close ties with Sinhala, the language of Sri Lanka.

Source: Indian Express

Mains Question

Discuss the significance of India’s role in providing assistance to Maldives during crises, and the potential challenges posed by the growing influence of China in the region.