Why in the news? Maldives urges Indians to be a part of its tourism, says the country's economy depends on it. |
Historical relation:
- The diplomatic and political ties between India and the Maldives trace back to 1965, following the British withdrawal from the islands.
- Since the Maldives transitioned to democracy in 2008, India has dedicated substantial efforts to nurturing strong relationships with diverse stakeholders in the Maldives.
- These relationships encompass political, military, business, and civil society spheres, reflecting India's commitment to fostering comprehensive engagement with the Maldives.
Significance of Maldives for India:
- Strategic Location: Situated to the south of India, the Maldives holds great strategic significance in the Indian Ocean. It serves as a crucial gateway to the Arabian Sea and beyond, enabling India to monitor maritime activities and bolster regional security.
- Cultural Link: India and the Maldives have a long-standing cultural and historical relationship spanning many centuries. Buddhism was the dominant religion in the Maldives until the first half of the 12th century, indicating a deep cultural connection between the two nations. Ancient inscriptions of Vajrayana Buddhism further highlight this connection.
- Regional Stability: A stable and prosperous Maldives supports India's "Neighbourhood First" policy, which prioritizes fostering peace and security in the Indian Ocean region. This underscores the importance of a harmonious relationship between India and the Maldives for regional stability.
Significance of India for Maldives:
- Essential Supplies: India plays a vital role in supplying essential items like rice, spices, fruits, vegetables, and medicines to the Maldives. Additionally, India assists in building Maldivian infrastructure by providing materials such as cement and rock boulders.
- Education: India is the primary destination for higher education for Maldivian students, offering scholarships to deserving candidates. Many Maldivian students pursue their education in Indian institutions.
- Disaster Assistance: India has consistently provided aid during crises such as tsunamis and water shortages. During the Covid-19 pandemic, India supported the Maldives by providing essential items, highlighting its reliability as a partner.
- Security Provider: India has a history of assisting in security matters, including intervention during a coup attempt in 1988 through Operation Cactus. Joint naval exercises like “Ekuverin”, “Dosti”, and “Ekatha” have been conducted for the protection of the Maldives.
- India's Dominance in Maldives Tourism: Indian tourists have become the top source market for the Maldives, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, they accounted for a significant 11.2% of total tourist arrivals, with 18.42 lakh visitors.
Associated challenges:
- India-Out Campaign: In recent years, there has been a political campaign in the Maldives focusing on the "India Out" platform, claiming that Indian presence threatens Maldivian sovereignty. The campaign demands the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, with the current Maldives' President setting a deadline of March 15, 2024, for their withdrawal.
- Tourism Strain: The tourism situation in the Maldives has attracted attention due to a diplomatic dispute arising from critical comments made about the Indian Prime Minister after his visit to the Lakshadweep islands. This has led to a trending boycott Maldives movement on social media as a response to the controversy.
- China’s Rising Influence in Maldives: Chinese influence is becoming more visible in the Maldives. The country's strategic location near important shipping lanes and India makes it attractive for China to deepen its engagement. This has caused concern in India and could potentially lead to regional geopolitical competition.
Conclusion:
The swift action taken by the Maldives government, such as the suspension of ministers, indicates an effort to handle the crisis effectively. Consequently, it is imperative for both countries to participate in regular diplomatic discussions to restore trust. Collaborating on common issues, addressing grievances, and underscoring the enduring ties that have been advantageous to both nations can facilitate a diplomatic resolution.