‘Strategic Comfort’ with Maldives

Context: India can adopt the Indo-Maldivian bilateral economic cooperation ‘model’ to make its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy a sustained success.

Indo-Maldives: Areas of Bilateral Cooperation

• Bilateral cooperation through everyday contact and exchanges: in the form of cargo ferry and air travel bubble facility. 
• Liberal visa-free regime and exemption from export curbs: on essential commodities extended by India.
• Emergency humanitarian assistance to the Maldives: For, E.g. -

• • • Operation Cactus (1988): India sent paratroopers and Navy vessels and restored the legitimate leadership.
    • The Tsunami and drinking water crisis (2004).
    • Covid­19 medical supplies to the Maldives.

Major Bilateral Constrains:

• Tilt towards China: and bias against India. 
• ‘India Out’ campaign: In Maldives, against India’s massive developmental funding for creating physical, social and community infrastructure.
• Political Instability in the Maldives: For, E.g. Mr Nasheed’s (ex-president) vacillation over a ‘parliamentary form of government’ can polarise the over-politicised nation even more. 

Conclusion: Given this background and India’s increasing geostrategic concerns in the shared seas, taking forward the multifaceted cooperation to the next stage of Indo-Maldivian partnership.