- Strengthening Bilateral Ties: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to the Maldives marked the first official meeting with President Mohamed Muizzu, emphasizing India’s commitment to maintaining strong relations despite regional political changes.
- Strategic Cooperation: India and the Maldives signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) focused on enhancing capacity, economic stability, and security cooperation, crucial for both nations.
- Regional Implications: The visit sends a message to neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, highlighting India’s intent to counter China’s influence in the Indian Ocean region through renewed ties with the Maldives.
- Infrastructure and Development: India’s Line of Credit (LoC)-assisted project on 28 Maldivian islands aims to improve water and sewerage infrastructure, reinforcing India’s role in supporting Maldivian development and promoting regional stability.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s first visit to the Maldives from 9-11 August 2024, following the election of President Mohamed Muizzu, can be considered a key moment in India–Maldives relations. This visit is significant not only because of the event itself but also because of what it portends in terms of regional politics, specifically India’s strategic influence in the Indian Ocean region.
Key Highlights of the Visit
During his recent visit to the Maldives, Jaishankar held high-level diplomatic talks with President Muizzu and other Maldivian authorities on several bilateral issues. The two nations signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at fostering capacity, economic, and security cooperation. This cooperation is crucial for both countries as they strive to enhance economic stability and address shared challenges.
Strategic Context
Jaishankar’s visit is particularly important as it marks the first official meeting between India’s Foreign Minister and the Maldivian President since Muizzu assumed office. Muizzu has emerged as a significant political figure in the Maldives, especially with his focus on presenting a foreign policy that serves Maldivian interests while managing delicate diplomacy between India and China. This context underscores the significance of Jaishankar’s visit, as it signals India’s willingness to strengthen relations with the Maldives despite changes in the regional political landscape.
Message to Dhaka
The visit also sends a signal to Bangladesh, given its relationships with both India and the Maldives. Through the re-establishment of friendly ties, India has expressed its intention to check China’s growing dominance in the region. The change in leadership in the Maldives, coupled with its interest in strengthening relations with India, is of particular concern to Dhaka as it determines its diplomatic path forward.
Reactions and Implications
According to experts in the Maldives, Jaishankar’s visit can be described as a ‘milestone,’ proving that India is one of the key partners for the Maldives in building a better future. A similar sentiment is evident in statements from the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which emphasized the importance of the agreements made during the visit. Furthermore, Jaishankar’s comments about the Maldives being India’s ‘natural neighbour’ highlight the idea that the two countries have always been connected by history and culture. This relationship is crucial for fostering regional stability and security, especially in addressing issues such as climate change and maritime security challenges.
Implications of India’s LoC in 28 Maldivian Islands
Jaishankar’s visit to the Maldives serves as a crucial reaffirmation of India’s commitment to its neighbours in the Indian Ocean region. The signed MoUs and the discussions held during this visit are expected to pave the way for deeper cooperation and understanding between the two nations. The ongoing LoC-assisted projects on 28 islands, which focus on improving sanitation and providing access to clean drinking water, further illustrate India’s dedication to supporting Maldivian development, reinforcing bilateral ties while countering external influences.
India’s Line of Credit (LoC)-assisted project on 28 islands of the Maldives focuses on enhancing water and sewerage infrastructure. The Foreign Affairs Minister handed over approximately ₹923 crore (USD 110 million) for this initiative, which aims to improve sanitation and water supply, significantly benefiting local communities. By investing in essential services, India strengthens its diplomatic ties with the Maldives, promotes regional stability, and counters China’s influence in the Indian Ocean. The project not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term economic growth and development, reinforcing India’s role as a key partner in the Maldives’ progress.
References and Citations:
- Jaishankar concludes his Maldives visit, both nations sign several MoUs-https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/jaishankar-concludes-his-maldives-visit-both-nations-sign-several-mous-124081200022_1.html
- S Jaishankar’s Maldives visit has a message for Dhaka-https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/s-jaishankars-maldives-visit-has-a-message-for-dhaka-101723435286722.html
- Jaishankar’s visit a significant milestone: Maldivian foreign ministry-https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/jaishankar-s-visit-a-significant-milestone-maldivian-foreign-ministry-124081201718_1.html
- Jaishankar launches Maldives’ largest India-funded sanitation project-https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/maldives-largest-india-funded-sanitation-projects-inaugurated-by-s-jaishankar-2580335-2024-08-10
Parag is pursuing his master’s at the Jindal School of International Affairs. Views expressed are the author’s own.
Aayush Pal 
Dr. Niranjan B Poojar