India says it hopes to resolve issue of troops in Maldives

• Recently, India said it continues to hope for a resolution of the tussle with the Maldives over stationing of Indian troops in the islands.
• The Maldivian government set a deadline of March 15 for their removal.

Key Highlights

• The date for the removal of troops is significant, as the next Maldives Majlis or Parliamentary elections are due to be held on March 17
  • Especially important for Mr. Muizzu after his ruling coalition lost the Male Mayoral election this week.
• Mr. Muizzu is the first Maldivian President not to make his first visit abroad to India.

Importance of Maldives

• The Maldives are crucial for maintaining the region’s political stability and security, as well as for safeguarding Indian commerce and investment.
• India and Maldives clearly have a responsibility to ensure stability and security in the Indian Ocean.
• Due to the strategic significance of the Maldives’ geographic location in relation to important international shipping lanes (ISLs).
• The Indian Ocean is a major route for the transfer of energy and trade around the world.
• The Strait of Malacca and the Gulf of Aden, two chokepoints in the western Indian Ocean, are located on either side of the Maldives, which is situated physically like a “toll gate” between them.
• Maldives supports India’s permanent membership and India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat to the year 2020-21.

Prelims Takeaway

• Gulf of Aden
• Strait of Malacca