For this article:

18 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
International RelationsEDITORIAL

Rebuilding India-Maldives Relations: A Path to Renewed Cooperation

India and Maldives have an opportunity to rebuild neighborly relations.

Editorial Analysis

India and Maldives have a chance to rebuild their relationship by focusing on mutual interests and addressing concerns. This involves strengthening cooperation in maritime security, economic development, and climate change, while also promoting people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation to foster goodwill.

Main Arguments:

  1. The recent election in the Maldives presents an opportunity to reset and strengthen relations with India.
  2. India should focus on areas of mutual interest such as maritime security, economic development, and climate change to rebuild trust.
  3. Addressing concerns and fostering greater understanding through people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation is crucial for a stable relationship.
  4. India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy should be revitalized to prioritize strong relationships with neighboring countries like the Maldives.

Conclusion

India must seize the opportunity to rebuild its relationship with the Maldives by focusing on mutual interests, addressing concerns, and fostering greater understanding through people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation.

Policy Implications

India should revitalize its 'Neighbourhood First' policy to prioritize strong relationships with neighboring countries like the Maldives.
The article discusses the opportunity to rebuild relations between India and the Maldives, focusing on strengthening cooperation in areas such as maritime security, economic development, and climate change. It highlights the importance of addressing mutual concerns and building trust to foster a more stable and prosperous relationship. The article also emphasizes the potential for enhanced people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation to promote greater understanding and goodwill between the two countries.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 2: International Relations - Bilateral relations, India and its neighborhood

2.

Connects to India's foreign policy objectives in the Indian Ocean region

3.

Potential for questions on maritime security cooperation and regional diplomacy

In Simple Words

India and Maldives, like any neighbors, sometimes have disagreements. Now, there's a chance to fix things. By working together on common issues like ocean safety and helping each other's economies, they can become good neighbors again.

India Angle

For India, having friendly relations with Maldives is important for the safety of our seas. It also means more opportunities for Indian businesses and jobs for Indians.

For Instance

Think of it like patching up a fight with your neighbor in your building. You both agree to keep the building clean and safe, which benefits everyone.

Good relations between countries lead to more trade, better security, and a more peaceful world. It affects the prices of goods, job opportunities, and overall safety.

Good neighbors make a strong neighborhood, and that's true for countries too.

Visual Insights

India and Maldives: Key Locations

Map showing the geographical proximity and strategic importance of India and Maldives.

Loading interactive map...

📍India📍Maldives
More Information

Background

India and the Maldives share close historical, cultural, and economic ties. India was among the first countries to recognize the Maldives after its independence in 1965 and has since been a key partner in its development. The relationship is underpinned by the 'India First' policy of the Maldives and India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, emphasizing mutual cooperation and regional stability. However, relations have seen fluctuations over time, influenced by domestic political changes in the Maldives and differing strategic priorities. The recent focus on rebuilding relations comes after a period where concerns arose regarding increasing Chinese influence in the Maldives and a perceived shift away from India. Maintaining a strong relationship is crucial for India's maritime security, given the Maldives' strategic location in the Indian Ocean. Any instability in the Maldives can have implications for India's security interests.

Latest Developments

In recent years, India has been actively working to strengthen its ties with the Maldives through various initiatives. This includes increased economic assistance, infrastructure development projects, and capacity building programs. High-level visits and dialogues have also been instrumental in addressing mutual concerns and fostering trust. The focus is now on enhancing cooperation in key areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, and disaster management. India has been providing assistance to the Maldives in these areas, including training and equipment. There is also a growing emphasis on promoting people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation to build stronger bonds between the two countries. Looking ahead, both countries are expected to continue working together to address common challenges such as climate change and economic development. The aim is to create a more stable and prosperous relationship that benefits both nations and contributes to regional security and stability.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following statements accurately reflects the current focus of India-Maldives relations? A) Primarily focused on military alliances against regional powers. B) Emphasizing cooperation in maritime security, economic development, and climate change. C) Concentrated solely on cultural exchange programs. D) Largely centered around resolving border disputes.

  • A.Primarily focused on military alliances against regional powers.
  • B.Emphasizing cooperation in maritime security, economic development, and climate change.
  • C.Concentrated solely on cultural exchange programs.
  • D.Largely centered around resolving border disputes.
Show Answer

Answer: B

The article explicitly mentions that the current focus of India-Maldives relations is on strengthening cooperation in areas such as maritime security, economic development, and climate change. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the comprehensive nature of the relationship as described in the article.

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