Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and/energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India’s maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition ?

Maldives holds strategic importance for India ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy due to its location in the Indian Ocean. As maritime economic activity in the Indian Ocean has risen dramatically in recent decades, the geopolitical competition too in the Indian Ocean has intensified. Maldives plays a key role in this geopolitical competition due to her strategic maritime geography

Geopolitical and Geostrategic importance of Maldives for India:

• Strategic Location Along maritime chokepoints: Maldives virtually stands as a toll gate – Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, and the Strait of Malacca.
• Proximity to India’s Southern Coast: Closeness to Lakshadweep and Kerala : a strategic concern for India’s naval presence and security in the Indian Ocean.
• Energy Flows from the Middle East to Asia:  Over 60% of India’s oil imports come from the Middle East, with most of it transported via sea routes passing near the Maldives. 
• Role in Countering Maritime Piracy: especially in the western Indian Ocean and the Horn of Africa region  – through IONS and SAGAR.
• Interest of the West: Apart from India, the USA also places importance to Maldives. According to the Integrated Country Strategy Document of the Department of Defence of the USA, Maldives is a valuable partner and an integral part of the Indo-Pacific.

Impact of India-Maldives Relations Amid International Competition:

• On Maritime Security: 

• Security from non-state actors: Securing EEZ of the Maldives ensures that the vital sea lanes are free from non-state actors and potential threats,–> ensuring freedom of navigation.

• • • Countering Chinese influence: India’s relationship with the Maldives, is crucial for countering China’s strategic ambitions in the region (China is investing in infrastructure projects in the Maldives, including the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge and port development projects).

• On Regional Stability: 

• • Securing collective interests: By maintaining close ties with the Maldives, India ensures regional security mechanisms are shaped in a way that serves both India’s interests and the collective security of smaller nations. E.g., India’s role in resolving political crises in the Maldives in 2018.
  • Ensuring national sovereignty: By strengthening the Maldives’ governance and maritime capabilities, India ensures regional stability and prevents the archipelago from becoming dependent on any single foreign power like the USA or China. 
  • Regional Collaboration:
    • In 2024, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu requested the removal of 88 Indian military personnel, stationed for maritime security and disaster management
    • Maldives has played an active role in addressing the challenge of Climate Change in the UN

Conclusion:

The Maldives is a geopolitical lynchpin for India’s maritime security and regional stability due to its proximity to vital shipping lanes and strategic location in the Indian Ocean. By strengthening its ties with the Maldives, India can protect its strategic interests in the Indian Ocean while playing a vital role in promoting regional stability and global trade security.

Sharing is caring!