INDIA MALDIVES DEFENCE RELATIONS

Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/maldives-asks-india-to-withdraw-its-military-presence-from-island-nation-amid-diplomatic-row-2488540-2024-01-14

Context: Maldives signing a defence agreement with China after the withdrawal of Indian troops marks a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean.

Details

• Maldivian President campaigned on a platform of removing Indian troops stationed in the country. This long-standing presence, seen as a security measure by India, became a point of contention.
• Following negotiations, India agreed to withdraw troops completely by May 10, 2024. This move can be interpreted as a concession to the new Maldivian administration and a potential strain in India-Maldives relations.

Enter China: Filling the Security Vacuum

• The Maldivian defence pact with China comes swiftly after the Indian troop withdrawal. This suggests the Maldives might be seeking to replace India as its primary security partner.
• Details of the agreement are yet to be revealed, but China also donated ambulances, hinting at a broader security and economic cooperation package.
• China's growing military and economic influence in the region positions them to readily fill the security gap left by India's departure.
• This could involve increased Chinese investment in the Maldives, a major tourist destination, and potentially closer military ties.
• China is likely aiming to expand its regional footprint and counter India's traditional dominance in the Indian Ocean.

India's Response: A Diplomatic Tightrope Walk

• India faces a delicate balancing act: maintaining good relations with the Maldives while countering China's growing influence.
• India might offer alternative security arrangements or economic incentives to retain its strategic importance in the region.

India-Maldives Defence Relations
About	Details
History	Established in 1978 with a Maritime Boundary Agreement. Strengthened after India's intervention in a coup attempt (Operation Cactus) in 1988.
Nature of Cooperation	Training: India trains approximately 70% of Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) personnel. Joint Exercises: Ekuverin, Dosti, Ekatha (military) and disaster relief exercises. Infrastructure & Equipment: India assisted with defence infrastructure, and radars, and supplied military hardware. Information Sharing: Regular exchange of intelligence and security information. Disaster Relief: India provided aid during the 2004 tsunami and other natural disasters.
Key Benefits for Maldives	Enhanced MNDF capabilities. Improved maritime security and disaster preparedness. Access to advanced training and equipment. Reliable security partner (historically).
Key Benefits for India	Strategic influence in the Indian Ocean. Enhanced regional security and stability. The market for defence equipment.
Recent Developments	The Maldivian President requested the withdrawal of Indian troops. India agreed to complete the withdrawal by May 10, 2024. The Maldives signed a defence agreement with China.

Conclusion

• The Maldives-China defence pact marks a significant development in the Indian Ocean. It reflects a changing geopolitical landscape, with China making inroads and India needing to adapt its strategy. The coming months will be crucial in understanding the full ramifications of this shift and its impact on regional security and economic dynamics.

Must Read Articles:

INDIA MALDIVES RELATIONS: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/india-maldives-relations-5#:~:text=India%20and%20the%20Maldives%20signed,%2C%20and%20capacity%2Dbuilding%20initiatives. 

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. China has been rapidly increasing its economic influence in the Maldives through loans and investments. How can India navigate this growing Chinese presence while also ensuring its own security interests in the region, considering the potential for debt-trap diplomacy and increased Chinese military presence?