Question

For genuine peace and harmony to take root in the Indian Ocean region, India and the Maldives must continue to build a shared strategic vision. Discuss this statement.

Answer 1

India and Maldive share historical relations with each other since independence of Maldive from United Kingdom. There is strategic importance of Maldives for India. Due to the rising influence of China in Indian Ocean region through Ring of Pearls and Belt and Road initiatives, India and Maldives should work together to balance the influence of China for peaceful and sustainable development of Indian Ocean Region.

Reason for militarization and disharmony in the Indian Ocean Region:

1. China’s Military hegemony through String of pearls: China develop overseas naval military bases in the Indian Ocean Region(IOR) under String of pearls policy, which could allow China to conduct expeditionary warfare in the IOR. Through establishment of this port, China is promoting militarization of Indian Ocean Region.
2. China’s influence in Internal Politics of Indian Ocean Country like Maldives and Sri Lanka: Chinese heavy presence in Maldives would have given China an opportunity and a base to influence and control the Indian Ocean region. Also, the energy supplies coming from Gulf nations to India pass through this area. Due to this, rivalry between China and India has increased in the IOR.
3. Regional Imbalance: India enjoys unparalleled access and influence in many of the Indian Ocean island states, including the Maldives, the Seychelles, and Mauritius. But due to rising influence of China, disharmony in the Indian ocean region has increased.

Requirement of shared strategic vision for India and Maldives:

1. To Counter the rising influence of China : India and Maldives should work together to Counter the influence of China in the Maldives and IOR. For that purpose, India should always support and respect the democratic institution of IOR countries.India should abstain from influencing the internal politics of Indian Ocean Country.
2. To Counter the political chaos in Maldives: Political chaos in Maldives led to rise of extremism and religious fundamentalism, smuggling and drug trafficking. For peace and prosperity in IOR, these activities should be curbed. In Such a situation, both countries should work to check political chaos and promote the democratic institutions of the Country.
3. To Counter debt trap policy of China: Many IOR countries are losing the strategic autonomy due to heavy debt of China under Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI). Maldives are also becoming the victim of such debt trap. In such a situation, India and Maldives should develop strategic vision to counter such debt trap.

Way forward
To promote peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region, India and Maldives should work together on regional maritime security issues, including counterterrorism and trans-national crimes.