Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Contextualize the Question: Briefly mention the recent developments between India and the Maldives that have caused strain in their relationship (e.g., derogatory comments regarding the Indian Prime Minister and the call for the withdrawal of Indian troops).
- Thesis Statement: Assert that despite these challenges, India is likely to prioritize its strategic ties with the Maldives due to its critical role in India’s Indian Ocean strategy.
Fact to mention:
- Recent tension between India and Maldives due to the deputy minister’s derogatory comments on the Indian PM’s visit and the Maldives’ call for withdrawal of Indian troops.
2. Significance of the Maldives in India’s Indian Ocean Strategy
- Strategic Location: The Maldives’ strategic positioning along key maritime trade routes makes it essential for India’s maritime security and economic interests.
Fact to mention:
- The Maldives lies along the maritime routes connecting the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea, crucial for oil and natural gas trade.
- Maritime Security: The Maldives plays a critical role in addressing regional security issues like piracy, illegal fishing, and ensuring the safety of sea lanes that are vital to India’s economic stability.
Fact to mention:
- Maldives’ participation in trilateral security cooperation with India and Sri Lanka to protect maritime boundaries from external threats.
3. Geopolitical Considerations: Countering China
- China’s Growing Influence: Highlight the growing Chinese presence in the Maldives, which could alter the region’s geopolitical dynamics.
- India’s Strategic Interests: India views any closer alignment between the Maldives and China as a threat to its regional dominance, making the Maldives’ cooperation vital.
Fact to mention:
- China’s increasing investments and influence in the Maldives in recent years.
4. Indian Diaspora in the Maldives
- People-to-People Ties: The Indian community in the Maldives (approx. 33,000) acts as a bridge, creating goodwill and acting as a stabilizing factor during political strains.
Fact to mention:
- Approximately 33,000 Indians live and work in the Maldives, which strengthens cultural and economic ties.
5. Economic Interests: Securing Investments
- Indian Investments: India has significant investments in the Maldives, especially in infrastructure and development projects. A stable relationship is essential for securing these investments.
Fact to mention:
- India is funding the Greater Male Connectivity Project, with a $100 million grant and $400 million line of credit.
6. Regional Stability: Importance for India’s Neighbourhood First Policy
- Stability in the Indian Ocean: A stable Maldives is crucial for regional security, aligning with India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy.
- Collaborative Regional Framework: Maldives’ involvement in regional security frameworks, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), is key for regional stability.
Fact to mention:
- Maldives’ active participation in regional organizations like IORA, which supports India’s policy for regional cooperation and stability.
7. Conclusion
- Summarize Key Points: Reaffirm that despite recent tensions, India’s strategic, economic, and geopolitical interests in the Indian Ocean make it highly likely that India will continue to prioritize its relationship with the Maldives.
- Long-term Perspective: Conclude by emphasizing India’s long-term commitment to ensuring regional stability, securing maritime routes, and countering external influences like China in the Indian Ocean.
Key Facts to Include
- Maritime Trade Routes: The Maldives’ location along critical trade routes connecting the Persian Gulf to India and the broader Indian Ocean.
- China’s Growing Influence: China’s investments and military interests in the Maldives and its impact on the region.
- Indian Diaspora: The strong Indian community in the Maldives, strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties.
- Indian Investments: India’s economic involvement, especially the Greater Male Connectivity Project.
- Regional Cooperation: Maldives’ participation in regional organizations and security arrangements with India.
Model Answer
Introduction
Despite recent tensions between India and the Maldives, India is likely to continue prioritizing its strategic relationship with the Maldives due to the latter’s significant role in the broader Indian Ocean strategy. These ties are crucial for India’s security, economic interests, and regional stability.
Protecting Maritime Trade
The Maldives lies along critical maritime trade routes connecting the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Arabian Sea. These sea lanes are vital for the transportation of goods, including oil and natural gas, between the Middle East and India. Maintaining a stable relationship with the Maldives ensures the security of these trade routes, which are crucial for India’s energy security and economic growth.
Countering China’s Influence
China’s growing influence in the Maldives has raised concerns in India about the shifting geopolitical balance in the region. If the Maldives becomes more closely aligned with China, it could challenge India’s traditional influence in the Indian Ocean. Therefore, India is likely to prioritize maintaining its strategic ties with the Maldives to counterbalance China’s presence in the region.
Protecting the Indian Diaspora
The Indian diaspora in the Maldives, numbering approximately 33,000, plays an important role in fostering goodwill between the two nations. This people-to-people connection acts as a stabilizing factor during political tensions and strengthens diplomatic ties, making it a key consideration in India’s strategy.
Ensuring Maritime Security
The Maldives’ strategic location contributes to regional maritime security. India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka collaborate to address threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, and other transnational issues. This cooperation is vital for ensuring regional stability in the Indian Ocean.
Securing Indian Investments
India has made significant investments in infrastructure projects in the Maldives, including the Greater Male Connectivity Project, which is funded by a $100 million grant and a $400 million line of credit. These investments are essential for India’s economic interests and regional influence.
Conclusion
Despite recent strains, India’s broader strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region will likely drive it to maintain a close relationship with the Maldives. The need to protect maritime trade, counter China’s influence, safeguard its diaspora, and secure investments will continue to guide India’s diplomatic efforts in the region.