Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

   • Define the geopolitical and geostrategic significance of the Maldives for India.
   • Briefly mention the focus on global trade and energy flows.
2. Geopolitical Importance of the Maldives for India
   • Strategic Location: Discuss the Maldives’ position along key maritime routes that are crucial for trade and energy security.
     • Fact: Approximately 70% of India’s oil imports transit through these waters, making the Maldives critical for energy security .
   • Trade Route Security: Explain how the Maldives helps secure vital shipping lanes.
     • Fact: The Eight Degree Channel is essential for monitoring shipping lanes that facilitate India’s oil imports from the Middle East.
3. Geostrategic Importance of the Maldives
   • Countering Chinese Influence: Discuss India’s efforts to counterbalance China’s presence in the Indian Ocean.
     • Fact: India has invested in infrastructure projects like the Greater Male Connectivity Project to strengthen its influence in the Maldives.
   • Surveillance and Monitoring: Highlight the importance of maritime surveillance capabilities.
     • Fact: India has set up radar systems on Maldivian islands to enhance maritime monitoring.
4. Impact on Maritime Security
   • Enhanced Naval Capabilities: Discuss joint naval exercises and their significance.
     • Fact: Joint exercises like Ekuverin enhance India’s maritime defense capabilities.
   • Intelligence Sharing: Explain the importance of intelligence sharing in addressing maritime threats.
     • Fact: Collaborative efforts improve response times to security threats in the maritime domain.
5. Impact on Regional Stability
   • Deterrence Against Non-State Actors: Discuss how collaboration helps deter piracy and terrorism.
     • Fact: India and the Maldives coordinate joint patrols to intercept illegal activities in the Indian Ocean.
   • Balancing Regional Power Dynamics: Explain how India’s engagement with the Maldives affects regional power dynamics.
     • Fact: India’s diplomatic efforts during the 2021 Maldivian political crisis demonstrated its commitment to regional stability.

6. Conclusion

   • Summarize the importance of the India-Maldives relationship in terms of global trade, energy security, maritime security, and regional stability.

Relevant Facts for Use in Answers

• Energy Security: Approximately 70% of India’s oil imports transit through the Maldives, making it critical for energy security.
• Infrastructure Investment: India has invested in the Greater Male Connectivity Project to counter Chinese influence in the Maldives.
• Joint Naval Exercises: The Ekuverin exercises conducted annually since 2009 enhance India’s maritime defense capabilities.
• Surveillance Systems: India has established radar systems on Maldivian islands to improve maritime monitoring.
• Regional Stability: India’s involvement during the 2021 Maldivian political crisis reflects its commitment to maintaining regional stability.

This roadmap provides a structured approach to answering the question while incorporating relevant facts to support the discussion on the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of the Maldives for India.