Changing contours of India-Maldives relations

Abstract

India's growing inclination towards the Indian Ocean region makes Maldives a significant neighbour for reinforcing its image and accomplishing its national interest. The significance of Maldives for India's foreign policy discourse lies as it is the immediate maritime neighbour, the Maldives archipelago comprising 1200 coral islands lies next to key shipping lanes. India-Maldives relations largely remain close, cordial and multi-dimensional. However, foreign policy being dynamic and multidisciplinary is influenced by numerous determinants. Likely, India-Maldives relations are also influenced by the internal politics of Maldives, China's increasing interests in the Indian Ocean, and regional and global geopolitics. This paper examines the changing contours of India-Maldives relations, especially after the formation of a new coalition government in Maldives headed by Muizzu. It also examines how the Maldives’ bonhomie with China affects India-Maldives relations. India being a benign and undeniable actor in the Indian Ocean region has unveiled numerous initiatives like the Neighbourhood First policy, SAGAR, Project Mausam, Indo-Pacific Ocean’s Initiatives etc. to reduce trust deficit with littoral states in the region and enable it to leverage the benefit of its strategic location as well. This paper also provides insight into what foreign policy stance India should opt to maintain cordiality about the Maldives and the peaceful Indian Ocean region.