Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Maldives, a strategically located island nation in the Indian Ocean, holds immense significance for India. Comprising a chain of 26 atolls, it straddles vital sea lanes of communication (SLOCs). Recent political developments in the Maldives, including the change in government in 2023 and the subsequent request for India to withdraw its military personnel, have brought its geopolitical importance into sharp focus. India’s longstanding relationship with the Maldives, built on historical ties and cooperative security, is now being tested by evolving regional dynamics and increasing external influence, particularly from China. This necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the archipelago’s importance for India’s strategic interests.
Geopolitical Importance of Maldives
The Maldives’ location is central to its geopolitical importance. It lies on major shipping routes connecting the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean and beyond, making it crucial for global trade. Specifically, it overlooks critical SLOCs used for energy transportation, particularly oil and gas from the Middle East to East Asian economies like China, Japan, and South Korea. India’s own energy security is intrinsically linked to the smooth functioning of these routes. The Maldives also provides a crucial vantage point for monitoring maritime activity in the Indian Ocean region.
Global Trade and Energy Flows
Approximately 75% of India’s trade passes through the Indian Ocean region. The Maldives’ proximity to these trade routes makes it a vital node. Any disruption to maritime traffic in this area, due to piracy, geopolitical tensions, or natural disasters, can significantly impact India’s economy.
- Energy Security: India imports over 80% of its oil and 40% of its natural gas, much of which transits through the Indian Ocean. The Maldives’ location allows for potential monitoring and safeguarding of these energy supplies.
- Trade Routes: The Maldives is situated near the Chagos Archipelago, a strategically important area controlled by the UK and the US, further highlighting the region’s significance for global trade.
- China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): The Maldives joined the BRI in 2017, raising concerns about potential Chinese influence over critical infrastructure and maritime access.
India’s Maritime Security and Regional Stability
The Maldives directly impacts India’s maritime security in several ways:
- Anti-Piracy Operations: The Maldives can serve as a base for anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean, contributing to regional maritime security. India has historically provided assistance in this regard.
- Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): Cooperation with the Maldives enhances India’s MDA capabilities, allowing for better surveillance of the surrounding waters. India provides radar and coastal surveillance systems to the Maldives.
- Preventing Terrorism and Illegal Activities: The Maldives’ porous borders and large Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) make it vulnerable to illegal activities like drug trafficking and terrorism. India assists the Maldives in combating these threats.
International Competition & Regional Stability: China’s increasing engagement with the Maldives, through infrastructure projects and economic assistance, poses a challenge to India’s traditional influence. This competition can potentially destabilize the region. The ‘India Out’ campaign, fueled by opposition parties in the Maldives, reflects growing anti-India sentiment and is often linked to Chinese influence. The recent withdrawal of Indian military personnel, while requested by the Maldivian government, raises concerns about a potential security vacuum that could be exploited by other actors. India’s policy of ‘Neighborhood First’ aims to counter this by strengthening bilateral ties and providing assistance in areas like disaster relief and capacity building.
| Aspect | India’s Interest | Potential Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Trade & Energy Security | Ensuring uninterrupted flow of trade and energy supplies | Disruption of SLOCs due to piracy or geopolitical tensions |
| Maritime Security | Maintaining MDA and combating illegal activities | Increased Chinese naval presence and potential for base access |
| Regional Stability | Promoting peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region | Political instability in the Maldives and growing anti-India sentiment |
Conclusion
The Maldives remains a vital strategic partner for India, crucial for its maritime security, economic interests, and regional stability. While navigating the complexities of international competition, particularly from China, India must prioritize strengthening its bilateral relationship with the Maldives through continued diplomatic engagement, economic assistance, and capacity building. A balanced approach that respects Maldivian sovereignty while safeguarding India’s legitimate security concerns is essential for ensuring a peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region. The recent developments necessitate a recalibration of India’s strategy, focusing on building deeper people-to-people connections and offering alternative development partnerships.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.