Brief Summary
This discussion focuses on the strengthening partnership between India and the Maldives, highlighting the 60 years of trusted relations built on friendship and mutual cooperation. It covers Prime Minister Modi's visit, the historic welcome he received, and the significance of the India-Maldives alliance for regional collaboration and India's role in the Indian Ocean. The discussion also addresses India's approach to assisting its neighbours without a "big brotherly" attitude, the various developmental projects and financial assistance provided to the Maldives, and the strategic importance of the India-Maldives partnership for regional security.
- 60 years of trusted partnership between India and Maldives.
- India's role as the first responder and protector in the Indian Ocean region.
- Developmental projects and financial assistance provided by India to the Maldives.
- Strategic importance of the India-Maldives partnership for regional security.
Introduction
The program "Spotlight" on Akashwani discusses the strengthening partnership between India and the Maldives, marking 60 years of trusted relations. The discussion features Jatendra Kumar Tripati, former ambassador, and Veho Shivas, the anchor, who explore the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Maldives and its implications for Southeast Asian collaboration and India's regional role.
Historic Welcome and Bilateral Relations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand ceremonial welcome in the Maldives, signalling the strength of the bilateral relationship despite occasional diplomatic challenges. The mutual trust between the two countries has remained stable over the past 60 years, dispelling any notion of a "big brother" relationship. Despite initial anti-India sentiments from the current Maldivian leadership, there's a growing realisation that India's role as the first responder and protector in the Indian Ocean region is indispensable. The Maldivian government has since adjusted its approach, recognising India's importance.
India's Support and Development Projects
India has consistently supported the Maldives, exemplified by its rapid response during the 1988 failed coup attempt and subsequent assistance during the 2004 tsunami, the 2015 crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Even during periods of anti-India sentiment, India maintained its financial aid to the Maldives, increasing it from $400 million to $600 million. This demonstrates a relationship of friendship and shared experience, with India offering its developmental expertise to the Maldives. Various developmental projects are underway in the Maldives with Indian assistance, including social housing units, the Greater Malé connectivity project, and the Addu road development project.
India's Contributions and Assistance
India's contributions to the Maldives extend beyond infrastructure, encompassing weather prediction technology and significant financial aid. A line of credit of approximately 5,000 crore rupees (565 million USD) is supporting the construction of a new airport, roads, and housing development projects. These actions demonstrate India's commitment to the development of the Maldives and its intent to be a true partner in the progress of developing countries. India has also undertaken projects such as the 500-bed Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, the Maldives Polytechnic, and the India-Maldives Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism. Additionally, India has provided scholarships to Maldivian students, even creating special provisions to accommodate the lack of higher secondary education in the Maldives during the 1980s.
Financial Relief and Security Cooperation
India has signed MOUs on fisheries, aquaculture, tropical meteorology, and digital solutions with the Maldives. Furthermore, India has reduced the debt servicing on previous Lines of Credit from 51 million per annum to 29 million per annum, providing significant budgetary relief. India has also provided 70 heavy vehicles to the Maldivian defence forces and extended a 400 million currency swap program with an interest-free loan for one year. Security is a mutual interest, with both countries committed to working together. Despite the Maldivian government's initial request to withdraw Indian helicopters and trainers, India agreed to withdraw armed forces personnel but provided technicians and continued regular training to Maldivian defence forces. India respects the Maldives' relationships with other countries but insists that these relationships should not compromise India's security.
Strategic Alliance and Future Relations
The strategic alliance between India and the Maldives is crucial for the defence and security of both countries and the broader Southeast Asia region. India has conveyed to the Maldives that while it respects their relationships with other nations, these should not come at the expense of India's security interests. The Maldivian government has acknowledged this and committed to avoiding actions detrimental to Indian security concerns. The discussion concludes with optimism for the future of Indo-Maldivian relations, anticipating new heights in their partnership.
