India-Maldives row frames the need for India’s long neglected marine doctrine
- The recent tensions between India and Maldives, fueled by derogatory remarks against the India Prime Minister, reveal underlying strategic, diplomatic, and geopolitical dimensions.
Strategic Dimension
- The Maldives archipelago is vital for India's maritime security matrix.
- However, Indian decision-makers often exhibit a "continental fixation," hindering coherent maritime initiatives.
- Due to the absence of a national security strategy, our maritime initiatives have remained random and sporadic.
- Historical insights underscore the importance of securing Indian interests in the Indian Ocean.
Diplomatic Approach
- Diplomatic scrutiny is needed for India's relations with Maldives, considering the influence of hyper-nationalism and religious fervour, alongside the India-China rivalry.
- Early signs of deteriorating relations, such as the cancellation of a GMR contract to develop Male’s international airport in 2011, should have prompted proactive measures.
Geopolitical Competition
- India needs to shift focus from border disputes to the larger geopolitical competition, especially in the Indo-Pacific, as India and China vie for influence in the Indo-Pacific.
- China's geographic disadvantage in the Indian Ocean, compared to India's proximity, presents strategic advantages.
Why Does India Need Maldives?
- India needs Maldives on its side to secure its maritime periphery, keep an eye on the Indian Ocean and check the influence of China in its neighbourhood.
- Strategic Location
- Proximity to India's west coast.
- Located at the hub of commercial sea-lanes running through the Indian Ocean.
- Maldives is one of the key elements in India’s maritime security calculus.
- Defence Cooperation
- India trains nearly 70% of Maldives' defence forces.
- Almost 70 percent of Maldives’ defence training is done by India - either on the islands or in India’s elite military academies.
- Collaborations in aerial surveillance and coastal radar systems to keep an eye on the activities in the Indian Ocean.
- China Factor
- Concerns over China's increasing influence in Maldives.
- Previous leaders, including President Yameen, strengthened ties with China.
Why Does Maldives Need India?
- Daily Needs: India supplies essential items like rice, spices, fruits, vegetables, medicines etc. and basic items to build infrastructure in Maldives.
- Education
- Indian educational institutions are vital for Maldivian students.
- Every year, Maldivian students flock to Indian higher educational institutions.
- The government gives out scholarships for Maldivian students to study in India.
- Economic Dependence
- India is a major trading partner, contributing significantly to Maldives' imports.
- India emerged as Maldives’ second largest trade partner in 2022.
- Disaster Assistance: India has been a primary source of aid during crises, including tsunamis and the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Security Provider: History of military assistance, joint exercises, and naval cooperation during coup attempts.
Maritime Diplomacy
- It is imperative to enhance utilization of maritime diplomacy.
- It should be seens as a crucial component of conventional diplomacy, unlocking its potential to a greater extent.
- The overarching objective of Maritime Doctrine is to positively influence the maritime environment.
- To advance national interests, aligning with foreign policy and national security objectives.
- India's maritime neighbours could benefit from a more flexible and proactive approach to training, naval presence, advisers, and hardware.
Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) Vision
- The acronym "SAGAR" was coined by the current Prime Minister in 2015, representing broad regional maritime cooperation.
- However, there is no document amplifying the vision underpinning SAGAR.
- It should be fleshed out into a new and comprehensive maritime doctrine, providing direction and purpose to regional diplomacy.