The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and employment, while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. It encompasses a range of economic activities, such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, maritime transport, renewable energy, and biotechnology, all of which rely on the ocean and coastal areas.
The ocean ecosystem of the Maldives has sustained, nourished and provided employment for its residents for generations. The country has emerged as a premier luxury travel destination, boasting one of the highest blue economy ratios globally, representing over 36% of its total GDP (Gaveglia, 2024).
India and Maldives share an important geostrategic position in the Indian Ocean region, as well as historical, cultural and economic ties that contribute to a strong bilateral relationship. The Maldives’ strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes it an important partner for India in maintaining regional stability and security. The two countries have established cooperation on several strategic issues, including maritime security and counterterrorism. Recently, however, the Indian Navy has been ordered to leave the islands, and this has created repercussions in Indian waters. This article argues that Blue Diplomacy can create a win-win situation for India-Maldives relations.
The Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited the islands of Lakshadweep in January 2024, and shared his enriching experiences on various social media platforms. The island’s scenic beaches, offerings, people, and culture are worth praising! Furthermore, the islands are and have always been important strategic players when it comes to national security aspects. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific are implementing some of the most ambitious policies to transform their challenges into opportunities. Their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) prioritise energy security and transition.
The recent debate on which is a better destination, Lakshadweep or Maldives, has sparked many unseen facets of how an island destination is perceived, and India-Maldives have come a long way. While “boycott Maldives” and #ExploreIndianIslands were trending in the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Maldives Government initially distanced itself from the personal remarks of its representatives. This Anti-India sentiment was not new; in the year 2020 the “India Out” campaign made a buzz as on-ground protests in Maldives, and then in social media platforms. It is noteworthy that Maldivian economy depends greatly on Indian tourists who visit this island nation every year.
India and the Maldives have long standing historical and cultural connections. They share linguistic and ethnic ties, with Dhivehi (Maldivian language) having similarities with some Indian languages. Cultural exchange programs and initiatives have long promoted mutual understanding and appreciation between the two nations.
Economic ties between India and the Maldives encompass a range of sectors, including trade, investment, and development assistance. India has been involved in several developmental projects in the Maldives, contributing to infrastructure development, healthcare, and education.
Tourism is a vital component of the Maldivian economy, and Indian tourists form a substantial portion of international visitors to the Maldives. Direct flights and increased connectivity have further facilitated tourism between the two nations.
Diplomatic ties have been generally positive, with diplomatic missions established in each other’s capitals. Regular high-level visits and dialogues strengthen diplomatic relations and provide platforms for discussing bilateral and regional issues. Blue diplomacy supports initiatives like the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), which aims to increase scientific understanding and collaboration for the sustainable management of oceans.
Both countries face challenges related to climate change and environmental issues. Cooperation on climate change mitigation, sustainable development, and conservation of marine resources are areas of mutual interest. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, India has been a key partner in providing medical assistance and vaccines to the Maldives.
The Key Issues
Vulnerability to External Threats: Island nations are often more exposed to external security threats due to their isolated locations. They may be more susceptible to geopolitical tensions and the potential for military conflicts in their vicinity.
International Relations: The Maldives engages in diplomatic relations with various countries and international organizations. Climate change, maritime security, and economic partnerships are among the key issues addressed in international relations.
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Disputes: Island nations often face unique challenges due to their strategic locations. While these locations can provide economic opportunities and geopolitical significance, they also bring about various difficulties. Strategic locations often lead to disputes over Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), especially if there are valuable natural resources, such as fisheries or oil and gas reserves, in the surrounding waters. This can lead to diplomatic tensions and conflicts with neighbouring countries.
Climate Change: The Maldives, being a low-lying island nation, places a strong emphasis on climate change advocacy. The country is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and environmental challenges. Many island nations are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changes in ocean patterns. These environmental challenges pose a direct threat to the livelihoods, infrastructure, and even the existence of these nations.
Understanding the Political Landscape of Maldives
The political landscape of the Maldives has been characterized by a mix of democratic reforms, periodic elections, and challenges. The country has undergone a process of democratization, moving away from its history of autocratic rule. Multi-party elections were introduced, leading to the establishment of a democratic system. Political polarization, changes in leadership, and policy disagreements have contributed to a dynamic political environment and the recent political change is not looking in favour for many.
The President of Maldives ordered Indian military personnel to leave the country by mid-March 15. The imposed deadline came nearly two months after he called for the withdrawal of Indian troops and declared that the country “must ensure that no foreign military is present on its soil.” The current president of the Maldives was elected through the “India Out” movement. The disengagement of Indian forces from the Maldives was a key electoral commitment.
Many island nations heavily rely on tourism as a key economic sector. Events such as natural disasters, political instability, or health crises (as demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic) can have a severe impact on their economies. Addressing these challenges requires a combination of domestic policies, international cooperation, and resilience-building measures. Island nations often engage in regional partnerships and collaborate on issues such as climate change, security, and sustainable development to mitigate the impact of their strategic vulnerabilities. India has always been a strong and supportive neighbour and a first responder to Maldives in difficult times.
There is no competition! This is the first and foremost thing about a small Indian island like Lakshadweep and an island country like the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.
Geography first: Maldives is a mature island destination while Lakshadweep is a developing one. The first is an archipelago of around 1200 islands and the latter is with 36 islands comprising 12 atolls, three reefs, five submerged banks and 10 inhabited islands (Lakshadweep Govt). The only similarity here is both are blessed with exotic beaches, coral reefs and flora and fauna. It is noteworthy that Maldives has created world-class infrastructure in its islands attracting millions of tourists every year and Indians being the leading in 2023. For example, Indian tourists dominated the footfall as per the data released by the Maldives Tourism Ministry.
Due to Lakshadweep’s carrying capacity considerations, smaller island sizes, and fragile ecosystems, our islands lack infrastructural advancements. The Indian Government is thus focusing on creating adequate infrastructure and facilities for tourists and trying to promote the islands in the domestic market.
Since November last year, the relationship between India and the Maldives has been severely strained. The Maldivian president Mohamed Muizzu was in New Delhi recently; on his first visit to India after he became the island nation’s president in November last year. He expressed gratitude for the “generous hospitality and warm welcome” the Indian government provided during his visit to observe Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony. He expressed his appreciation for India’s dedication to supporting the Maldives in its development and addressing the requirements of the Maldivians.
In July 2024, India and Maldives reaffirmed their “unwavering” commitment to developing “continued close relations” and improving bilateral cooperation. The two states also decided to cooperate to maintain peace and stability in the Indian Ocean. By leveraging its ocean resources more effectively, the Maldives aims to create a more sustainable development model and India is gearing up to harness its blue resources by strengthening its Blue Economy initiatives, this presents an excellent opportunity for both sides.
Epilogue
Reiterating the fact that Lakshadweep is Lakshadweep and Maldives is Maldives, there is certainly no competition and let’s not dwell on that. These beautiful island destinations are unique in their sense and beauty. India has emerged as the “Voice of the Global South” in the recently hosted G20 summit in 2023 and is now among the world’s fastest growing economies.
India will be a reliable partner to its neighbourhood and Maldives has long experienced it. The international efforts and diplomatic strategies focused on the sustainable management and governance of the world’s oceans and marine resources will pave the way for both states. Promoting effective governance frameworks for managing the high seas (areas beyond national jurisdiction) and promoting regional cooperation to address transboundary issues, such as migratory fish stocks, marine pollution, and climate change.
Blue diplomacy will also strengthen international cooperation on maritime security, sharing information, and improving the capacity of states to patrol and secure their maritime zones.
Author: Aishwarya Singh Raikwar – She has more than five years of experience in government advisory, consulting and academia. She is currently Assistant Manager at the Vibrant Villages Program (VVP) Cell of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Aishwarya has contributed to India’s prestigious G-20 presidency, delivered a TEDx talk, and received the Young Researcher Award at the Asian Tourism Research Conference. She is passionate about oceans and their role in addressing some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as climate change, maritime security, sustainable development, and international relations.