Despite recent tensions in India-Malvives relations, the two countries continue to engage in bilateral cooperation. Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer visited New Delhi this week for the first high-level ministerial meeting since President Mohamed Muizzu’s election. The visit comes as India prepares to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives by May 10.
Maldives Pilots Struggle with Indian Aircraft, but India Extend $50 Million in Budgetary Support as Gesture of Goodwill
During the visit, Zameer met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. The two countries also agreed that India would send “competent India technical personnel” to replace the Indian personnel currently operating the two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft that India gifted to the Maldives.
However, a report by the India Express revealed that the Maldivian pilots cannot fly the Indian-donated Dornier aircraft. This has led to some embarrassment for the Maldivian government.
Despite these challenges, India has extended a $50 million Treasury Bill rollover to the Maldives, providing much-needed budgetary support to the island nation. Maldivian Foreign Minister Zameer thanked India for this gesture, describing it as a “true gesture of goodwill” that signifies the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
The approved export quotas for essential commodities to the Maldives for 2024-25 under a unique bilateral mechanism are the highest since the arrangement came into effect in 1981. This includes increased quotas for eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour, pulses, river sand, and stone aggregates.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recently warned the Malvives of debt distress, highlighting the country’s economic challenges. In this context, India’s budgetary support and increased export quotas are particularly significant in strengthening the Malvides’ economic resilience.
Despite the “India Out” rhetoric during the election campaign, President Muizzu’s government has maintained engagement with India. The Maldives continues to be a key maritime neighbor for India in the Indian Ocean Region(IOR).
As the two countries navigate their relationship, both sides must address challenges transparently and work towards mutually beneficial solutions The Maldives must ensure that its pilots are adequately trained to operate the gifted aircraft, while India should continue to provide technical assistance and capacity-building support.
Moreover, the two countries should explore new areas of cooperation, such as renewable energy, climate change mitigation, and sustainable tourism, to further strengthen their partnership. Regular high-level dialogues and people-to-people exchanges can also help build trust and understanding between the two nations.
In conclusion, the recent development in India-Malvivas relations demonstrates the resilience of their partnership. Despite occasional tensions, the two countries remain committed to working together for the benefit of their people and the region. As they navigate the challenges ahead, both sides must prioritize dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared vision for a prosperous and secure Indian Ocean.