India and Maldives are neighboring countries sharing a maritime border. Relations have been friendly and close in strategic, economic and military cooperation. India continues to contribute to maintaining security on the island nation but Maldives want to discussion about security purposes of India.

Maldives has requested the return of 70 soldiers from India deployed in the country. Meanwhile, discussions are going on between the two countries to resolve the issue. Only after Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu was sworn in did his office officially announce that the government has asked India to withdraw its military presence from the country. President Muizzu met Union Minister of India Kiren Rijiju, the announcement said. During this, he has requested Minister Rijiju to remove military presence.

Discission b/w both countries:

Meanwhile, if sources in the Ministry of External Affairs are to be believed, the solution to this issue is also being discussed between the governments of both the countries. If sources are to be believed, the issue of medical problems such as drug smuggling and Indian military personnel was raised in the discussion between the President Muizzu and Indian Union Minister Rijiju. Let us tell you that about 70 Indian soldiers are deployed in Maldives. These soldiers are deployed in Maldives for radar and surveillance aircraft. In the presidential election, Muizzu had promised withdrawal of foreign troops from Maldives.

Maldives President said this:

After taking oath as the President, Muizzu reiterated this in his first speech and said, there will be no military personnel from any country in Maldives. President Muizzu said, I will draw a line when it comes to our security. Maldives will also respect the lines of other countries. According to the reports, let us tell you that the newly elected President Muizzu of Maldives is seen as a supporter of China.

Chances of consensus on these issues:

According to sources, President Muizzu appreciated the contribution of Indian helicopters and aircraft deployed in the medical treatment of citizens of Maldives. Both of them also agreed that through this, both the governments will discuss practical solutions for continued cooperation.

Agreement b/w India-Maldives:

The two countries signed six agreements to expand cooperation in various sectors in the Maldives, including:

1. Cyber ​​security
2. Capacity building
3. Accommodation
4. disaster management
5. infrastructure development
6. India announced financial assistance of US$100 million to help the island nation complete some infrastructure projects.

Challenges existing in India-Maldives relations:

1. political instability:
   India’s major concern has been the impact of political instability in neighboring countries on its security and development.
2. The arrest of Maldivian opposition leader Mohammed Nasheed on terrorism charges in February 2015 and the resulting political crisis have posed a real diplomatic test for India’s neighborhood policy.

China support:

1. In recent years, there has been an increase in China’s strategic interference in India’s neighboring countries. Maldives has emerged as an important component of China’s ‘String of Pearls’ strategy in South Asia.
2. Given the uncertainty of China-India relations, China’s strategic presence in the Maldives is a matter of concern.
3. Apart from this, Maldives has started using ‘China Card’ for agreements with India.

Some old controversey:

Relations between India and Maldives have expanded significantly since the success of Operation Cactus. India has provided extensive economic assistance and participated in bilateral programs for the development of infrastructure, health, telecommunications and labor resources. It established the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Malé, the capital of the Maldives, expanded telecommunications and air connectivity, and increased scholarships for Maldivian students. While India’s exports to Maldives during 2006 were worth ₹384 crore, imports were less than ₹6 crore. Also, The State Bank of India has contributed over US $500 million to aid the economic expansion of the Maldives.