expatriates in Maldives who are engaged in a number of professional pursuits and their security is also of prime concern for India. Blue economy: Maldives plays an integral role in realising the potential of Indian Ocean blue economy as a contributor to the security and sustainable development of sea resources. Tourism: India and Maldives see regular tourist visits between the two and Indian tourists also account for close to % of tourists Maldives receives each year. Health: India is a preferred destination for Maldives citizens seeking health services, which boosts Indian healthcare sector.
Political relations Political chaos: Uncertainty in Maldives could prove a fertile breeding ground for extremism and religious fundamentalism, smuggling and drug trafficking.Islamic State (IS) and Lashkar-e-Taiba are also reported to have established bases in Maldives. Strategically located in the Indian Ocean, Maldives archipelago comprising , coral islands lies next to key shipping lanes which ensure uninterrupted energy supplies to countries like China, Japan and India As the pre-eminent South Asian power and a ‘net security provider’ in the Indian Ocean region, India needs to cooperate with Maldives in security and defence sectors. A large section of population which supports the opposition parties like Nasheed’s MDP wants India to act against Yameen. India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links.
India was among the first to recognize Maldives after its independence in and later established its mission at Male in . There are , Indian nationals living in Maldives (second largest expatriate community), Indian tourists also account for close to % of tourists Maldives receives every year. Since China started to send naval ships to Indian Ocean roughly years ago – and right up to Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy operations – Maldives’ significance has steadily grown and now its at the heart of international geopolitics China’s massive economic presence in Maldives is a major concern for India. With the country now said to owe % of its external aid to China, India had to push back.
The current political crisis might