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The dialogue touched on bilateral military exercises and was the first defence dialogue after India-Maldives relations witnessed strained ties earlier.
- Maldives President in pursuance of his "India Out" campaign had Indian military personnel withdraw from Maldives while also pursuing pro-China policies.
- However, recent deepening cooperation is in line with India’s External Affairs Minister’s recent visit to Maldives and Maldives President’s attendance at India's Prime Minister's oath ceremony.
Importance of India for Maldives
- India is seen as a Net Security Provider in Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
- India has been the first responder in crises in Maldives (Operation Neer in 2014 during water crisis, Vaccine Maitri during COVID-19 Pandemic).
- Maldives wants to reinstate India among the top three tourist markets (tourism is key to the Maldives economy).
- Recently, Maldives faced decline in tourist footfall from India.
Significance of Maldives for India
- India’s Neighbourhood First Policy (NFP): Maldives is one of the cornerstones of NFP, Vision SAGAR, India’s commitment to the Global South.
- Strategic location: It is located between major Indian Ocean chokepoints (Gulf of Aden, Strait of Hormuz and Strait of Malacca).
- First line of defence: Maldives serves as the first line of defence against various maritime threats such as terrorism, and piracy.
- Reducing the influence of China in the IOR.
India’s Initiatives to Strengthen relation with Maldives
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