• Positive vibes between the two nations’ after cold diplomatic ties 

By Sangeeta Saxena

New Delhi. 07 September 2024. After a period of tension, there has been a noticeable warming in the diplomatic relationship between India and the Maldives in recent months. The improvement is the result of high level talks between the two countries to improve bilateral cooperation in fields like trade, defence, and regional security. Mutual efforts to restore confidence and promote cooperation characterise this re-established alliance, which reflects both countries’ larger commitment to preserving security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean area. The better ties herald a new era in India Maldives diplomacy, as constructive engagement is replacing old conflicts.

5th Defence Cooperation Dialogue between India and the Maldives took place in New Delhi on September 06, 2024. The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary  Giridhar Aramane, while the Maldivian delegation was headed by Chief of Defence Force, Maldives National Defence Force General lbrahim Hilmy.

The strategic significance of the Maldives to India stems from its close proximity to the country’s west coast—just 70 nautical miles separate Minicoy and the Indian west coast from 300 nautical miles—as well as its location at the intersection of major commercial sea lanes that traverse the Indian Ocean, especially the 8° N and 1 ½° N channels. India holds a dominant position in the Maldives, with connections spanning almost all domains. It is widely acknowledged that India plays a crucial strategic role in the Maldives and is regarded as a supplier of internet security. Under India’s “Neighbourhood First” foreign policy, which seeks to establish peace and development in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Maldives holds a special position.

The meeting provided both sides with an opportunity to discuss the matters related to bilateral defence cooperation. This, inter alia, included expediting the implementation of various ongoing defence cooperation projects. The two sides also deliberated on few other areas of common interest such as high-level exchanges and capability development projects. The aspects of participation in forthcoming bilateral military exercise were also discussed. The entire range of talks were productive which will advance shared interests of both the nations in near future and bring stability & prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.

Since 1988, defense and security have been central pillars of cooperation between India and the Maldives. India has adopted a flexible and accommodating approach in meeting the Maldivian National Defence Force’s (MNDF) needs, providing extensive support in the form of defense training and equipment. A comprehensive Action Plan for Defence was signed in April 2016, further consolidating the partnership between the two nations.

India plays a critical role in the capacity-building of the MNDF, providing approximately 70% of their defense training needs. Over the past decade, more than 1,500 MNDF personnel have received training at various Indian defense academies, including the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC).

In addition to training, MNDF participates in joint activities with Indian defense forces such as joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrols, anti-narcotics operations, search and rescue (SAR) missions, and joint exercises. The Indian Navy has also provided air assets to MNDF for air surveillance, medical evacuations (MEDEVAC), SAR operations, and Helo-borne vertical insertion missions. Over the last five years, around 600 MEDEVAC and SAR operations have been conducted, with medical teams transferred to assist in emergencies. Furthermore, a team of Indian medical specialists has been stationed at the MNDF’s Senahiya Hospital in Malé, sharing expertise with MNDF doctors, many of whom have been trained at the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune.

India-Maldives defense cooperation also extends to key areas such as joint exercises, maritime domain awareness, and infrastructure development. Notable projects include the establishment of a Composite Training Centre (CTC) for MNDF, the Coastal Radar System (CRS), the construction of a new Ministry of Defence headquarters, and the creation of the “Ektha” MNDF harbor.

To further institutionalize the defense relationship, an annual Defence Cooperation Dialogue (DCD) was initiated in July 2016 at the level of Defense Secretary, with subsequent editions held in November 2017, February 2022, and March 2023. Additionally, annual Joint Staff Talks were launched in February 2016, with the sixth edition held in December 2022. MNDF continues to actively participate in key forums such as the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), the Goa Maritime Conclave, and the Goa Symposium.

The nations regularly engage in joint exercises, including two bilateral exercises—”Ekuverin” and “Ekatha”—and the trilateral exercise “Dosti,” which includes Sri Lanka. In February 2024, the latest edition of “Dosti” took place in Malé, with Bangladesh joining as an observer.

The Maldives is an active participant in India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), SAR, and pollution control exercises. In 2016, India provided pollution dispersant to the MNDF Coast Guard, and India continues to offer customized training programs for the MNDF Fire and Rescue Service.

India’s long-standing defense partnership with the Maldives has evolved into a multifaceted cooperation framework encompassing training, joint exercises, capacity building, infrastructure development, and disaster management. This deepened engagement reflects both countries’ commitment to regional security and stability. As India continues to play a leading role in enhancing the MNDF’s capabilities, the bilateral defense relationship is poised to grow even stronger in the years to come.