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India- Maldives Maritime Relations
Context:
Dr. Mohammed Muizzu, the President of the Maldives, is set to visit India from October 6 to 10. This will mark his first state visit since taking office, although he previously attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony on June 9.
Importance of Maldives in Maritime Domain:
- Importance of the Maldives in India’s Maritime Strategy: The Maldives is considered a crucial maritime neighbour for India in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and is integral to India’s vision of “SAGAR” (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and its Neighbourhood First Policy.
- Strategic Location: The Maldives is strategically positioned along critical shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca, through which approximately 80% of global trade passes, making it vital for naval presence and maritime operations.
- Geopolitical Significance: The Maldives is a focal point in the Indian Ocean amid competition between India and China. During Abdulla Yameen’s presidency (2013-2018), China significantly invested in the Maldives through its Belt and Road Initiative, raising strategic concerns for India.
- Resource Management: With an EEZ of around 900,000 square kilometres rich in marine biodiversity, the Maldives has established marine protected areas (MPAs), like the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, to combat overfishing and promote sustainability.
- Collaboration on Maritime Security: The Maldives participates in joint maritime exercises, including India’s Operation Samudra Setu during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Steps taken for strengthening Maritime Relations Between India and Maldives:
- Bilateral Agreements: India and Maldives have signed several agreements on maritime cooperation, including a 2018 Framework Agreement on Maritime Security, aimed at enhancing information sharing and joint efforts against piracy and illegal fishing.
- Coast Guard Cooperation: Joint exercises, such as “Samanvaya” in September 2022, have improved coordination between the Indian Coast Guard and Maldives National Defence Force, focusing on search and rescue operations and maritime patrolling.
- Infrastructure Development: India has funded critical projects like the Hithadhoo Harbor in Addu City, inaugurated in January 2021, which boosts maritime trade and security management.
- Maritime Surveillance: India has supplied surveillance aircraft and coastal radar systems, including the Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft delivered in 2016, enhancing the Maldives’ maritime domain awareness.
- Joint Fishery Management: A 2021 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) promotes sustainable fishing practices and management of shared fish stocks.
The India-Maldives-Sri Lanka trilateral ‘Dosti 16’ Coast Guard Exercises
- The Dosti 16 Coast Guard Exercises, held last month in the Maldives, reflect a renewed commitment by the new Maldivian government to strengthen ties with India and Sri Lanka.
- Inaugurated by Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, the exercises emphasised collaboration on shared maritime security concerns, including search and rescue, counter-piracy, and disaster relief.
Thilamale Bridge Project
- The Thilamale Bridge, a 6.74-km project by Afcons Infrastructure Limited, aims to connect Malé with nearby islands.
- Initially expected to finish in 2024, it faced delays but is now reportedly ahead of schedule, with 35% completion.
- The project is seen as crucial for enhancing connectivity, addressing overcrowding, and stimulating the economy. Plans include eco-friendly features like solar power for lighting.
