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OPINION NOVEMBER 15, 2024 | The Indian Eye 8

Significance of India-Maldives

Recent Engagement

The recent engagement between India and Maldives and its significance lies in prioritizing regional security

along with national priorities of respective countries and in finding a convergence to work towards enhancing

cooperation in various areas at the bilateral and regional level

DR. SAMATHA MALLEMPATI

he neighborhood figures prom-
inently in India’s foreign policy
Toutreach, based on the princi-
ple of respecting ‘mutual interest and
reciprocal sensitivity’. In this context,
the recent engagement between India
and Maldives after few impediments,
which started after the Presidential
elections in Maldives in September
2023, assumes significance as it once
again reiterated India’s commitment
to the Neighborhood First Policy and
Security and Growth for All in the
Region (SAGAR) vision. What has
helped in resetting India-Maldives
relations is India’s consistent support
extended to various development
initiatives within Maldives as part of
development assistance and contin-
uous dialogue at the highest level to
address defense and maritime securi-
ty related issues.
Consistent Support Generated
Positive Momentum

ome of the crucial develop-
ments and bilateral exchanges
Ssince the beginning of this year
that generated a positive momentum
and helped in overcoming the dif-
ferences in perspectives related to
cooperation in various sectors are as
follows: in April 2024, India approved Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu with First Lady of Maldives Sajidha Mohamed visit Taj Mahal, in Agra in October (ANI photo)
the highest ever quotas for essential
commodities for Maldives for the
years 2024-25, upon the request of Minister of Maldives emphasized dia-Maldives relations can go beyond tives, a very conscious effort has been
Maldives. that “economic cooperation with the election issue of the withdrawal of made by the government of Maldives
On 9 May 2024, the Foreign Min- India has been an integral part of Indian military personnel in the island to address the economic slowdown
ister of Maldives Moosa Zameer was Maldives economy”. The visit of the nation and the countries are willing to with the help of bilateral partners in-
in India, a first high-level Ministerial President of Maldives to Delhi to at- work together to enhance peace and cluding India. Since the beginning of
visit from Maldives after the forma- tend the swearing-in ceremony of the security in the Indian Ocean Region. 2024, the economy has shown signs of
tion of the Progressive National Con- Prime Minister of India in June 2024 India’s overall development co- slowing down and the International
gress (PNC) Government in Male. signalled a positive shift in Maldives operation in the last year has also Monetary Fund (IMF) in February
The visit took place amidst the with- engagement with India. The visit of resonated with various aspects of called for urgent policy adjustments
drawal of Indian military personnel External Affairs Minister of India to governance highlighted by the PNC to tackle the high risk associated with
stationed in Maldives. Nonetheless, Maldives on August 9-11, 2024 on government in Male. For exam- external and overall debt distress. It
the visit provided an opportunity to a three-day visit further reaffirmed ple, the President of Maldives has also warned the Maldives of poten-
discuss bilateral relations and chart India’s commitment to deepen its emphasized economic sovereignty, tially severe economic costs due to
out a ‘future direction and conver- bilateral relations, including security self-determination, and defense secu- climate change and natural disaster
gence of perspectives in various do- and defense cooperation. The official rity as three important aspects of his risks. In May and September, India
mains. During the visit, the Foreign visits also drove home a point that In- governance. To realize these objec- Continued on next page... >>

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