India-Maldives Relations
Renewed Momentum Post Strained Ties
PM Modi’s July 2025 visit to attend Maldives’ 60th Independence Day marks a turnaround in bilateral ties after months of chill since President Mohamed Muizzu’s election in Sept 2023.
Muizzu had adopted an “India Out” stance but ties improved post high-level diplomatic engagements and debt assistance from India.
Why It Matters:
The Maldives’ centrality in the Indian Ocean region is crucial, aligning directly with India’s SAGAR doctrine (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
Restoring strong ties with the Maldives is vital for offsetting the growing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean, as exemplified by President Muizzu’s China visit in January 2024.
India being the first nation President Muizzu officially invited signifies a deliberate recalibration of foreign policy by the Maldivian government, underscoring India’s diplomatic importance.
This renewed engagement demonstrates India’s ability to effectively manage relationships even after facing public criticism and diplomatic challenges, showcasing its soft power projection in the neighbourhood.
Maintaining strong and stable relations with the Maldives is integral to the success of India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, contributing to the overall stability and resilience of India’s immediate periphery.
India’s Strategic Needs:
Indian Ocean Security:
- India aims to secure the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) from threats like piracy, maritime terrorism, and smuggling, particularly around key chokepoints near Maldives.
- The region is part of India’s maritime security grid under Mission-Based Deployments.
Defence Collaboration:
- India conducts joint naval exercises, port calls, and supplies patrol vessels to Maldives.
- Indian naval assets and radar network integration with Maldives enhance maritime domain awareness under the SAGAR doctrine (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
Debt Diplomacy & Economic Influence:
- India uses currency swap arrangements, budgetary support, and grant-based projects to maintain influence amid increasing Chinese debt diplomacy.
- Helps Maldives avoid over-dependence on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Diaspora Safety & Tourism Linkages:
- Nearly 1 lakh Indians live and work in the Maldives – doctors, teachers, skilled professionals.
- India is the largest source of tourists to the Maldives (over 2 lakh tourists annually), crucial for its economy.
Strategic Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs):
- Maldives lies close to vital SLOCs linking Middle East-Africa-Asia, which carry a significant portion of India’s energy imports and trade cargo.
- Control and cooperation here impacts India’s energy security and trade interests
Maldives’ Needs from India:
Developmental Assistance:
- India provides grant-in-aid, budgetary support, and funds for projects like housing, ports, water, and sanitation.
- Example: India’s $500 million Greater Male Connectivity Project.
Disaster Relief & Emergency Aid:
- India is the first responder to Maldives in times of crisis (2020), drinking water shortage (2014). e.g., tsunami (2004), COVID-19
- India’s Operation Neer and Vaccine Maitri earned goodwill.
Medical, Educational, and Technical Services:
- Indian doctors, teachers, and engineers play a key role in Maldives’ public services.
- Maldivian students often come to India for higher education and medical treatment.
Security & Military Support:
- India has helped build Maldives’ Coast Guard capacity, radar systems, and offers military training and equipment.
- Indian military presence also ensures sovereignty support amid rising external influence.
Tourism & Air Connectivity:
- India’s air bubble during COVID-19 helped sustain Maldives’ tourism industry.
- Regular flights, cruise tourism, and ferry services boost Maldives’ economy.
Countering External Influence:
- India offers a non-interfering, partnership-based alternative to growing Chinese strategic footprints in the IOR.
- Ensures sovereign decision-making space for Maldives through balanced cooperation