6. India-Maldives
Map2.9: Maldives♤ Indian Army's 'Operation Cactus' foiled a coup in Maldives that was attempted by a pro- Eelam group in 1988.♤ Abdulla Yameen has sought to weaken democratic institutions, jail his political opponents, restrict the press, and exert control over the judiciary to strengthen his hold on power and limit dissent.6.2. Security6.3. Economic and Development Cooperation6.4. Democratic Transition in Maldives♤ Maumoon Abdul Gauoom served as the president of Maldives from 1978 to 2008.♤ Ever since the Indian Ocean archipelago is witnessing political tussles.♤ In 2013 Abdulla Yameen was elected president in 20136.5. Recent Dynamics♤ For China Maldives is a key link in its maritime silk road plan under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)♤ In 2012 relations between India and Maldives came under a strain after Male had terminated the agreement it entered into with GMR in 2010 for the modernisation of the♤ India’s concern is that China, with its strategic ally Pakistan, could use the Maldives as a♤ India on its part displayed its dismay over the imposition and then extension of emergency.♤ As a neighbour whose security is closely intertwined with that of the Maldives, India wishes to see a stable, peaceful and prosperous Maldives that meets the aspiration of its citizens.o New Delhi is wary of instability taking root in island nation where the radical Islamic State (IS) has been making inroads.♤ Coordination with international community would add to India’s options.o From Male, the nearest Chinese port, Haikou (Hainan), is 2,700 miles as the crow flies and 3,400 miles by sea. An aircraft would take 7-8 hours to cover this distance, overflying three countries, and a ship would take 8-10 days to reach Male. Compare this to the flying time.