Answer: India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links and enjoy close, cordial and multi-dimensional relations. India was among the first to recognise Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the country. Maldives’ is strategically significant for India due to its proximity to the west coast of India.

Multifaceted relationship between India and Maldives

Political Relations:

• India’s prompt assistance during the 1988 coup attempt, led to development of trust and long-term and friendly bilateral relations with the Maldives. Under Operation Cactus the Indian Armed Forces helped the Government of Maldives in the neutralization of the coup attempt.
• Till recent times, ‘India First’ has been a stated policy of the Government of Maldives.
• On international issues Maldives has consistently supported India in multilateral fora, such as the UN, the Commonwealth, the Non-Alignment Movement and the SAARC.

 Economic relations:

• India and Maldives signed a trade agreement in 1981, which provides for export of essential commodities.
• As of 2022, The total trade volume between India and the Maldives reached USD 501.82 million.
• In 2022, India provided a grant of $100 million to help the island nation address economic difficulties.

Defence Cooperation:

• India provides the largest number of training opportunities for Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF), meeting around 70% of their defence training requirements.
• A Comprehensive Action Plan for Defence was also signed in April 2016 to consolidate defence partnership.

Indian Diaspora:

• Indians are the second largest expatriate community in Maldives with an approximate strength of around 22,000.
• About 25% of Doctors and Teachers in Maldives are Indian nationals.

Tourism:

• Tourism directly accounts for about a quarter of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Maldives and indirectly for a much larger proportion of GDP.
• In 2023, India remained the top source of tourists for the Maldives, with over 209,198 Indian visitors, making up 11.1% of the total 1,878,543 tourists that year. This continued the trend from 2022, when India also sent the most tourists to the island nation.

Assistance in time of disasters-

• Operation Neer (2014): When a fire at the Male Water and Sewerage Company disrupted the capital's water supply, India promptly launched Operation Neer. Indian Air Force and Navy ships delivered a total of 3,775 tonnes of drinking water, alleviating the crisis for the Maldivian people.
• India has proactively helped Maldives during COVID-19 with supply of essentials, medicines, vaccines etc.

 Measures to Strengthen India-Maldives Relations:

• Open and transparent communication: To address the contemporary challenges, there is need to maintain open channels of communication to address concerns and misunderstandings promptly. This will help in preventing unnecessary friction.
• Respect for Maldivian sovereignty: There is a need for properly acknowledging and respecting Maldives' right to make independent decisions regarding its foreign policy and partnerships.
• Engage constructively with all stakeholders: Foster dialogue and cooperation with Maldivian political parties, civil society, and private sector to build comprehensive partnerships and address the underlying issues.
• Promote cultural and educational exchange programs: Regular student exchanges, artist residencies, and cultural festivals can foster greater understanding and appreciation between the two societies.
• Economic Diversification: Both the countries should move beyond tourism dependence and explore various other economic opportunities. India may support Maldivian initiatives to diversify its economy by exploring industries like fisheries, renewable energy, and eco-tourism.
• Maintain regular security dialogue: Establish a robust framework for regular security dialogues and joint military exercises to address shared security threats and maintain regional stability.Collaborate on maritime security initiatives like patrolling, information sharing, and capacity building to ensure safety in the Indian Ocean.
• Promote multilateral cooperation: Various regional forums like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) should be utilized properly to address the regional challenges collectively.

While historical and cultural ties provide a strong foundation, contemporary challenges like the "India Out" campaign and Chinese influence underscore the need for proactive measures to ensure the stability and growth between the two nations. The success of the India-Maldives relationship hinges on a commitment to mutual respect, proactive engagement, and a shared vision for a stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region.