Daily Current Affairs : 11-January-2023

The diplomatic landscape between the Maldives and China recently witnessed a significant development with the signing of 20 agreements during the Muizzu-Xi meeting. This comes amid a diplomatic strain between the Maldives and India, marked by undiplomatic remarks and strategic realignments.

Recent Developments:
  • The meeting between Chinese President Xi and Maldivian President Muizzu resulted in 20 key agreements, covering tourism, disaster risk reduction, and the blue economy.
  • Bilateral ties were elevated to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, showcasing a deepening relationship between the Maldives and China.
Maldives-India Diplomatic Row:
  • The Maldives has expressed dissatisfaction with India, choosing China for its overseas visits and urging the reclaiming of the top spot in tourist arrivals.
  • Anti-Indian sentiments were allegedly deployed during the 2023 presidential elections, as indicated by a report from the EU Election Observation Mission.
  • Maldives decided not to renew the hydrographic survey agreement with India, signed in 2019.
Evolution of India and Maldives Relations:
  • Early Diplomatic Ties (1965-1978): India played a crucial role in recognizing the Maldives as an independent nation after gaining independence in 1965.
  • Strategic Partnership (1978-1988): The Maritime Boundary Agreement in 1979 defined maritime boundaries, resolving challenges temporarily faced during the Operation Cactus intervention in 1988.
  • Normalization and Economic Cooperation (2008-2013): Economic cooperation and developmental assistance marked this period, focusing on infrastructure projects and capacity building.
  • Period of Strain (2013-2018): Challenges arose during Abdulla Yameen’s presidency, with concerns over democratic backsliding and growing ties with China.
  • Renewed Engagement (2018 Onward): Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s election marked a shift, emphasizing democratic values and strengthening ties with India.
Significance for India and Maldives:
  • For India: Proximity, trade routes, strategic importance, economic partnership, and defense cooperation highlight the significance of the Maldives.
  • For Maldives: Essential commodity supply, education, economic dependence, and disaster relief assistance underscore the importance of India.
Challenges:
  • Political Instability: Recent political changes in the Maldives pose challenges for long-term cooperation projects.
  • Chinese Influence: Growing economic and military influence from China raises concerns for India’s strategic interests.
  • Security Concerns: Non-traditional threats like piracy, terrorism, and drug trafficking require joint efforts for counteraction.
  • Economic and Environmental Concerns: Trade imbalance and climate change impact necessitate coordinated efforts for adaptation.
Overcoming Challenges:
  • Open communication, focusing on common interests, respecting sovereignty, and strengthening people-to-people ties can mitigate challenges.
  • Addressing internal issues like corruption and instability is crucial for projecting a positive image and fostering a stable partnership.
Why In News

In a significant diplomatic development, Maldives and China signed 20 agreements after the Muizzu-Xi meeting, marking a notable shift in alliances as tensions persist in the region, particularly in the backdrop of a diplomatic row with India.

MCQs about Indo-Maldivian Relations

  1. During which period did the Maldives experience challenges in its relationship with India due to concerns over democratic backsliding and a perceived tilt towards China?
    A. Early Diplomatic Ties (1965-1978)
    B. Period of Strain (2013-2018)
    C. Normalization and Economic Cooperation (2008-2013)
    D. Renewed Engagement (2018 Onward)
    Correct Answer: B. Period of Strain (2013-2018)
    Explanation: The challenges arose during the presidency of Abdulla Yameen, particularly from 2013 to 2018.
  2. What is the strategic significance of the Maldives for India?
    A. Economic dependence
    B. Proximity, trade routes, and defense cooperation
    C. Essential commodity supply
    D. Political stability
    Correct Answer: B. Proximity, trade routes, and defense cooperation
    Explanation: The strategic importance of the Maldives for India due to its proximity, trade routes, and defense cooperation.
  3. How does the essay suggest overcoming challenges in Indo-Maldivian relations?
    A. Increasing military presence
    B. Diversifying trade partnerships
    C. Avoiding communication and dialogue
    D. Strengthening people-to-people ties and focusing on common interests
    Correct Answer: D. Strengthening people-to-people ties and focusing on common interests
    Explanation: The essay recommends open communication, focusing on common interests, and strengthening people-to-people ties as strategies for overcoming challenges in the relationship.

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