Relevance : GS Paper II (International Relations)
[900 words reduced to 200]
- A tumultuous phase in India-Maldives ties has come to an end.
- Recent India-Maldives relation
- Maldives called India its “closest friend”.
- India announced a financial assistance package of $1.4 billion .
- Both agreed to keep other’s security interests in mind in IOR.
- They agreed to strengthen maritime security cooperation in IOR.
- Increased opportunities for Indian investment in Maldives.
- Areas such fisheries, tourism, health, education etc. earmarked for enhancing bilateral cooperation.
- The China factor
- Under Mr. Yameen, Maldives had become close to China.
- China’s role in the Maldivian economy is under scanner today amid growing concerns about Chinese loans.
- Faced with the loan crisis, Maldives is looking to India for more budgetary support.
- China will continue to play an important role in Maldives economy.
- However, geography will make India’s role critical in Maldives.
- Mature handling of the Maldives crisis
- India’s patiently handled the Maldives crisis.
- It coordinated its response with other like-minded players.
- India’s significance for Maldives
- Maldives will need support of India because:
- Maldives challenges remain acute.
- The institutional fabric has been battered under Mr. Yameen.
- Islamist extremism has grown in potency.
- Governance will continue to be challenging .
- Instead of viewing from a China perspective, India must think of the long term.
