PM Modi to Attend Maldives' Independence Day, Signals Regional Reset

Current Affairs Today Current Affairs news Current Affairs PDF Current Affairs of India Today Current Affairs PDF Daily current affairs Latest GK&CA

 'PM Modi to Attend Maldives'

Independence Day, Signals Regional Reset

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Maldives on July 25-26, 2025, to attend the country's 60th Independence Day celebrations. This visit marks a strategic diplomatic outreach to reset bilateral ties following recent tensions between India and Maldives.

Key Aspects:

  1. PM Modi invited as Guest of Honour for Maldives Independence Day national celebrations and military parade.
  2. High-level meeting expected between PM Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.
  3. Defence Cooperation Reset: Indian military personnel earlier withdrawn; replaced by civilian technical staff to manage Indian-donated aircraft.
  4. The visit has re-emphasized regional ties and diplomatic engagement.

India-Maldives Relations

  • Maldives' position along key sea lanes of communication makes it crucial for India's maritime security and influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • India has extended lines of credit, budgetary support, and infrastructure grants for major projects like roads, ports, housing, and water sanitation.
  • India provides radar systems, Dornier aircraft, helicopters, and capacity-building support to Maldivian defence forces. Joint exercises like "EKATHA" and patrols highlight the close maritime collaboration.
  • India has played a first responder role in times of crisis. Operation NEER (2014) to supply drinking water, COVID-19 aid under Vaccine Maitri, medical evacuation support
  • Relations strained under President Abdulla Yameen (2013-18) due to increasing Chinese investments and military engagement, raising India's security concerns.
  • Strong cultural, educational, and medical linkages; many Maldivians travel to India for treatment and education.
  • Political rhetoric in Maldives over "India Out" campaign caused tension; however, diplomatic engagement has continued with emphasis on mutual respect and sovereignty.
  • India views Maldives as part of its "Neighbourhood First" and "SAGAR" (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiatives to maintain stability in the IOR.

About Maldives

  1. An archipelagic island nation consisting of around 1,190 coral islands grouped in 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean.
  2. Situated southwest of India and Sri Lanka, making it strategically important for maritime security.
  3. Acts as a key node in the Indian Ocean maritime routes, essential for India's security and shipping lanes.
  4. A presidential republic with a multi-party political system.
  5. Primarily driven by tourism, fishing, and construction; highly dependent on imports and foreign aid.
  6. Often at the center of India-China rivalry in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  7. India is a key development and security partner, providing infrastructure aid, defence support, and disaster

What is Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

A maritime region that includes coastal states of the Indian Ocean - from East Africa to Southeast Asia.

Strategic Importance:

  •  Facilitates over 80% of global oil trade.
  • Home to key choke points like the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, and Strait of Malacca.
  • Major Actors: India, China, USA, Australia, and regional powers like Indonesia, South Africa.
  • Security Concerns: Piracy, terrorism, illegal fishing, and China's growing naval presence.

India's Role: Seeks to act as the net security provider through initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association).

About Neighborhood First Policy

A foreign policy approach prioritizing India's immediate neighbours for development, peace, and stability.

Key Objectives

  • Enhance economic integration and regional connectivity.
  •  Promote mutual security cooperation, disaster response, and people-to-people ties.
  • Countries Covered: Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Myanmar.

Initiatives are Infrastructure projects (e.g., ports, railways), humanitarian assistance, scholarships, digital cooperation.

Recent Examples: Supply of COVID-19 vaccines to neighbours under Vaccine Maitri; rescue missions and financial aid to Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Comments