Q20. Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India's maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition? 

Approach

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Introduction

The Maldives, an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, holds immense geopolitical significance for India due to its proximity to key sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) that are critical for global trade and energy supply. As part of India's "Neighbourhood First" policy, the Maldives plays a crucial role in India's maritime security and regional stability.

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Geopolitical and Geostrategic Importance:

• Proximity to Major Sea Lanes: The Maldives is situated near key maritime routes, where nearly 40% of the world's oil supplies pass through the Indian Ocean. Securing these SLOCs is vital for India's maritime trade and energy imports.
• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): With an EEZ of 923,000 square kilometers, the Maldives offers India strategic depth for maritime surveillance, security operations, and potential resource exploration, strengthening its influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Strategic Gateway to the Indian Ocean: As the Maldives lies at the center of the Indian Ocean, India can project its power and secure its maritime interests, ensuring dominance in the region. As noted by C. Raja Mohan, an Indian strategic analyst, India's influence in the Maldives enhances its ability to counter rising Chinese influence in the IOR.

Impact on India's Maritime Security and Regional Stability:

• Chinese Influence through BRI: China's growing investments in the Maldives, under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), challenge India's traditional influence. Projects like the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge demonstrate China's strategic ambitions. According to Brahma Chellaney, China could potentially establish a military base in the region, raising concerns over India's maritime security.
• Indian Ocean Security: The Maldives is essential for monitoring maritime activities and tackling non-traditional security threats like piracy, terrorism, and illegal fishing. India's Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) aims to strengthen multilateral maritime security frameworks, with the Maldives being a key partner.‍
• Political Stability and Regional Influence: India's support for democratic governance in the Maldives plays a critical role in ensuring political stability. A stable Maldives contributes to regional stability, curbing external influences that could destabilize the region. India's intervention during the 2018 political crisis exemplifies its commitment to maintaining stability.

Conclusion

The Maldives is indispensable to India's maritime security and regional stability. India must maintain a balanced and cooperative approach, fostering mutual interests and regional partnerships while countering the growing influence of external powers. Engaging the Maldives through defense cooperation, economic assistance, and regional diplomacy will be vital for securing India's long-term strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region.

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