MALDIVES - INDIA RELATIONS

Introduction

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations with India on 1^st November 1965, relations between the two countries have been marked by continued friendship, outstanding cooperation and beneficial bilateralism. Throughout a history of consistent and close cooperation which at any point of time was free of any bilateral irritants, the Maldives’ relations with India are unmatched by any other country in the region as both the countries have remained strongly committed to an enduring friendship.

India is the third country with which Maldives established such relations since independence on 26 July 1965; the other two being United Kingdom and Sri Lanka.

Longstanding Relations

A significant aspect of the relations between the two countries is that the changes in the Government or the leadership have never altered the pattern of their bilateral relations. Despite the Indo – centric character of the South Asian region and the micro – archipelagic nature of the Maldives and thus the power disparity, both the countries have for long observed a principle of mutual respect, assistance and concern for each others’ sensitivities. As a result, the relations between the two countries have been deeply vested in close understanding and bonded in an inherent desire for cooperation and promotion of goodwill.

The Maldives profoundly value India’s assurances of support and assistance in all spheres. More importantly, not just on a mere occasion but on several occasions, India has proved to be a very close friend of the Maldives in its time of need. India’s swift response during the coup incident of 3^rd November 1988 and its unconditional support and timely assistance to Maldives in the wake of the Tsunami disaster in December 2004 are two clear examples among many that stand proof of India’s closeness with Maldives.

Salient Issues

The Maldives has shared the views of India and endeavoured to support India on various regional and international issues. To mention a few, in the late 1980s, unlike its some other members, Maldives held the viewpoint and shared India’s apprehension pertinent to opposing changes to the Charter of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) relating to bilateral issues. Moreover, the Maldives also shares common views on a range of international issues of mutual interest such as environmental protection, international peace, fight against terrorism and UN reform. Most recently, the Maldives has assured to India that it would extend its “full support” to India’s entry into the United Nation’s Security Council as a permanent member.

Defence Cooperation 

Both countries certainly have a long and proud record of strengthening their defence ties through a wide range of activities. The Maldives and India have been conducting a series of Coast Guard maritime joint training exercises codenamed “DOSTI” since 1991 in addition to other joint defence interactions. These bi-annual Maldives – India DOSTI exercises were initiated with the objective of strengthening cooperation between the Coast Guards of both countries, with a view to enhance mutual capabilities for search and rescue operations, combating piracy and armed robbery, damage control and casual evacuation at sea for safer seas. The joint training exercise expanded to include Sri Lanka which resulted in having bi-annual “Trilateral Joint Coast Guard Exercises”. In addition, a joint army training exercise to enhance the close military ties codenamed “Ekuverin” exists between the Maldives and India. A large number of defence services personnel from the Maldives are trained in various defence establishments in India every year. Consequently, Indian armed forces have played an instrumental role and have closely worked with the Maldivian counterparts to enhance the overall defence and security capability of the Maldives.

Collaboration in Science and Technology