External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has arrived in Maldives in the first high-level visit from India after nearly nine months since pro-China President Mohammad Muizzu took office. This visit is not only an effort to bring bilateral relations back on track but is also an important step to strengthen security cooperation between the two countries while maintaining regional peace and stability.
Jaishankar held a positive meeting with Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu as well as Defense Minister Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon during his visit to Maldives. Measures to enhance defense and security cooperation between the two countries were discussed in this meeting. Apart from this, joint initiatives for maritime security and shared interests in maintaining peace in the region were also emphasized. This meeting is taking place at a time when military ties between Maldives and China are deepening. Recently, a modern research vessel of China has reached the port of Maldives.
What is India’s soft policy for Maldives?
India’s soft policies and collaborative approach have established it as an important partner in the Maldives. While China is trying to increase its influence using its economic and military power, India has been successful in building a deeper relationship with the Maldives through its soft power and cultural ties. During Jaishankar’s visit, India signed an agreement to introduce the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) system in the Maldives, which will have a positive impact on the tourism sector of the Maldives.
Why is UPI payment necessary in Maldives?
Initiatives like UPI not only promote economic cooperation but will also empower Maldives in the digital space. Sharing India’s experience of steps taken towards financial inclusion, Jaishankar explained how digital transactions have revolutionised India, with 40 per cent of the world’s real-time digital payments happening in India. This partnership can prove to be an economic opportunity for Maldives, especially in the tourism sector. It is well known that tourism in Maldives generates nearly 30 per cent of GDP and more than 60 per cent of foreign exchange.
This latest initiative in relations between India and Maldives is an attempt to strike a balance amid the growing influence of China. Despite the tense situation in India-Maldives relations after Muizzu became President, India has continued to try to strengthen its relations with Maldives through soft power and cooperation. The strategic position of Maldives and its internal stability are important for regional peace and India is emphasizing on strengthening its relations to maintain peace and stability in the region. This is why Jaishankar’s visit is an important step towards building a lasting and balanced partnership with Maldives in conjunction with India’s soft policy.