Answer: Maldives recently saw the election of a Pro-China candidate as the next president of the nation, which seemingly raises concern for India in recent times. As India's closest neighbor, Maldives has relied on India for essential support and assistance throughout the years.

Significance of Maldives

• Geostrategic: Maldives’ proximity to the west coast of India and its potential to allow a third nation’s naval presence in the area makes it an important member of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
• Geopolitical: Due to its strategic maritime geography in the Indian Ocean, China’s ‘Belt and Road’ Initiative (BRI) involving the Maldives has increased the Chinese sphere of influence that can adversely impact India’s interests.
• Geoeconomics: Nearly 50 per cent of India’s external trade and 80 per cent of energy imports transit the westward Sea Lanes Of Communications in the Arabian Sea in the vicinity of the Maldives.
• Net security Provider: Maldives is positioned as checkpoint between the western Indian Ocean(Strait of Hormuz) and the eastern Indian Ocean chokepoint of the Strait of Malacca.

India-Maldives Relations- Areas of engagement

India was among the first to recognize Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the country.

• Bilateral Economic and Trade Relations: India‐Maldives bilateral trade stood at over US$ 250 million in 2021. 

• India emerged as Maldives’ 3rd largest trade partner in 2021.
• India is also offering USD 100 million grant support to the Greater Male Connectivity Project which will be a major catalyst for the Maldivian economy.

• Security and Defence Cooperation: India provides around 70% of Maldivian defence training requirements.

• Defense cooperation extends to the areas of Joint Exercises - “Ekuverin”, “Dosti”, “Ekatha” and “Operation Shield”.

• Development Cooperation: The ongoing development assistance projects executed by India are Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Maldives Polytechnic etc.

• A US$ 800 million Credit Line Agreement was signed between India and Maldives was signed in 2019 for financing connectivity and infrastructure projects. 
• Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development project under an Indian credit line is under development.
• India’s credentials of being the first responder: Under Operation Neer in 2014, India supplied drinking water to Maldives to deal with the drinking water crisis.
• India supplied 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines to Maldives, under Operation Sanjeevani as assistance in the fight against Covid-19.

India faces challenges in Maldives in terms of slight ruffles with the political regime, growing Chinese influence and increasing popular sensitivity against India. Given India’s huge presence in multiple spheres, the relationship should be boosted through imaginative foreign-policy initiatives including deepening of security cooperation, emphasising a development-oriented approach underlined with principles of Gujral doctrine.