HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY Syllabus GS Paper 2 - IR)

Context: The Maldives government has decided to not renew an agreement with India that allowed India to conduct hydrographic surveys in Maldivian waters.

Hydrographic Survey Agreement

• Agreement: The collaboration to survey Maldivian territorial waters was formalized through an agreement signed on June 8, 2019.
• Signatories: Prime Minister of India and then-President of Maldives were the signatories of the agreement.
• Scope of Agreement: The agreement granted India permission to conduct hydrographic surveys in Maldivian waters, encompassing the study and mapping of reefs, lagoons, coastlines, ocean currents, and tide levels.
• Termination Terms: According to the agreement's terms, either party wishing to terminate it must notify the other six months prior to the expiration date. Additionally, the agreement automatically renews for an additional five years.
• India's Historical Involvement: Historically, India had undertaken the majority of hydrographic surveys in the Maldives.
• Third Hydrographic Survey: The Indian Navy and MNDF conducted the third Joint Hydrographic Survey using Indian Naval Ship Investigator, covering Northern Maldives, including Ihavandhippolhu and Thiladhanmatee atolls and Gallandhu Kandu.