27The island nation of Maldives finds itself as an important geopolitical hub. Its relations with India have soured under the new president of Mohamed Muisu.
At the same time, the Maldives appears to be moving closer to China’s orbit. However, a careful examination of the facts reveals that the Maldives stands to gain more by strengthening its relationship with India than by being more accommodating to China.
The foundations of India-Maldives relationship are built on decades of mutual support and cooperation. India continues to help Maldives. India supports important development projects across the country.
India is currently collaborating on 65 community development projects worth $23 million in the Maldives. These projects cover a wide variety of projects, from fish processing plants and drug rehabilitation centers to cultural centers and sports facilities.
Apart from development assistance, India has contributed $50 million to the country’s budget. This critical source of funding underscores India’s unwavering commitment to the economic stability and development of the Maldives.
The ongoing massive Male connectivity project, a transformative infrastructure initiative, highlights the depth of India’s investment in the Maldives’ future. Backed by an Indian grant and concessional loan worth $500 million, the project aims to stimulate economic growth and ease the lives of Maldivians.
India’s assistance to Maldives goes beyond mere monetary assistance. The two countries share deep cultural, historical and strategic ties and India has consistently respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Maldives. It has never sought to undermine its independence or impose its will.
India continues to be a reliable partner of Maldives, lending a helping hand during times of crisis and natural calamities. When the Maldives was devastated by the 2004 tsunami, India immediately dispatched military ships and aircraft to deliver essential supplies and aid to the affected islands.
India’s swift action and humanitarian aid efforts have helped save countless lives. India provided much-needed relief to the people of Maldives. During the Covid-19 pandemic, India provided essential medicines, medical equipment and life-saving vaccines to the Maldives, ensuring that the island nation has the resources to effectively fight the virus. India’s willingness to cooperate with the Maldives in such critical moments underscores the depth of the bilateral relationship and India’s commitment to the well-being and security of its maritime neighbours.
While Chinese investment and loans may seem attractive on the surface, the Maldives would be wise to exercise caution. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has trapped many countries in debt traps.
By mortgaging its future to China, the Maldives risks compromising its sovereignty and becoming increasingly dependent on an outside power with a track record of exploiting smaller countries for its own profit.
Furthermore, China’s stance on disputes in the Indian Ocean region and its growing military presence pose a direct threat to the security and stability of the Maldives. Aligning too closely with China could strain Maldives’ relations with India, a trusted partner and regional powerhouse.
As a low-lying island nation, the Maldives is at the forefront of the fight against climate change and sea level rise. As a global leader in renewable energy initiatives and sustainable development, India can be an invaluable partner in the Maldives’ efforts to mitigate environmental risks and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
India’s expertise in areas such as solar energy, coastal defense and disaster management is critical to the long-term survival of the Maldives.
India’s development aid is unconditional. China’s investments often have hidden costs and geopolitical agendas that could undermine the Maldives’ independence in the long run.
