Daily Current Affairs : 1-November-2023

In September 2023, President-elect Mohamed Muizzu’s victory in the Maldivian presidential election raised concerns over the future of Indian military presence in the country. Muizzu, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding Maldives’s independence and sovereignty, has vocalized his desire to remove Indian troops, sparking a contentious debate on international relations.

Indian Military Presence in Maldives: A Decade-Long Partnership
  • 75 Indian military personnel stationed in Maldives operate Dornier aircraft and two helicopters gifted by India.
  • The aircraft and helicopters serve vital functions, including medical evacuation, search and rescue operations, training, surveillance, and patrol.
Muizzu’s Opposition: Balancing Geopolitical Pressure and Domestic Promises
  • Muizzu’s stance on Indian military presence is influenced by international media framing the Maldives elections as a referendum on India-China rivalry.
  • Consistency with pre-poll pledges strengthens Muizzu’s position, demonstrating commitment to his supporters.
Maldives’ Economic Challenges: A Looming Debt Crisis
  • Maldives faces a significant economic challenge, with obligations to pay $570 million annually in 2024 and 2025 for external debt.
  • In 2026, a record $1.07 billion in external debt must be serviced, posing a severe financial burden.
  • Cooperation with India and China, major lenders, is crucial to mitigate the impending debt crisis.
India’s Interests: Investments and Security Concerns
  • India has become Maldives’s primary economic and security partner, investing $1.4 billion in the country’s socio-economic development over the past four years.
  • India’s security interests are intertwined with Maldives, given its concerns about increasing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean region.
  • Maldives’s membership in the ‘Colombo Security Conclave’ underscores the importance of maritime cooperation between India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Maldives.
Important Points:

Indian Military Presence in Maldives:

  • 75 Indian military personnel in Maldives operate aircraft and helicopters gifted by India.
  • These assets play crucial roles in medical evacuation, search and rescue, training, surveillance, and patrol.

Muizzu’s Opposition to Indian Troops:

  • Muizzu’s opposition is influenced by international media framing the Maldives election as a referendum on India-China rivalry.
  • It aligns with his pre-poll promises to demonstrate consistency to his supporters.

Maldives’ Economic Challenges:

  • The country faces a looming debt crisis, with substantial obligations to service external debt.
  • Debt payments will escalate in the coming years, necessitating cooperation with India and China.

India’s Interests:

  • India has become Maldives’s primary economic and security partner, investing $1.4 billion in socio-economic development.
  • India’s security interests are tied to Maldives due to concerns over growing Chinese presence.
  • The ‘Colombo Security Conclave’ underscores maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

Complex International Relations:

  • Balancing sovereignty, economic needs, and regional security dynamics is a complex challenge.
  • Finding a solution that preserves Maldives’s independence while addressing economic issues is crucial.
  • Cooperation between nations, especially with India and China, remains pivotal for regional stability and mutual growth.
Why In News

Since his win in the Maldivian presidential election in September 2023, President-elect Mohamed Muizzu has emphasized his desire to withdraw Indian troops from the country, while pledging to safeguard the Maldives’s independence and sovereignty, fostering a new era of diplomatic relations with neighboring nations.

MCQs about Maldives’ Dilemma:Sovereignty Versus Strategic Partnerships

  1. What is the primary reason for President-elect Muizzu’s opposition to Indian military presence in the Maldives?
    A. Personal Disagreement
    B. International Media Pressure
    C. Economic Concerns
    D. Geopolitical Rivalry
    Correct Answer: B. International Media Pressure
    Explanation: Muizzu’s opposition is influenced by international media framing the Maldives election as a referendum on India-China rivalry.
  2. What functions do the Indian military aircraft and helicopters in Maldives serve?
    A. Combat Operations
    B. Humanitarian and Surveillance Activities
    C. Intelligence Gathering
    D. Missile Defense
    Correct Answer: B. Humanitarian and Surveillance Activities
    Explanation: The aircraft and helicopters are used for medical evacuation, search and rescue operations, training, surveillance, and patrol.
  3. Why is cooperation with India and China crucial for mitigating Maldives’ impending debt crisis?
    A. Political Support
    B. Economic Assistance and Lending
    C. Military Assistance
    D. Technological Development
    Correct Answer: B. Economic Assistance and Lending
    Explanation: Maldives needs cooperation from India and China, major lenders, to address its economic challenges, including the looming debt crisis.
  4. What does Maldives’ membership in the ‘Colombo Security Conclave’ signify?
    A. Cultural Exchange
    B. Maritime Cooperation
    C. Trade Agreements
    D. Environmental Conservation
    Correct Answer: B. Maritime Cooperation
    Explanation: Maldives’s membership in the ‘Colombo Security Conclave’ highlights the importance of maritime cooperation between India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Maldives in the Indian Ocean region.

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