♤ 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.

♤ In this context the following aspects are key for understanding India’s position:

o International actors such as the EU and USA have echoed India’s position.

o Direct intervention though seemed attractive was ruled out for the time being unlike in 1988, it is not the Maldivian government but opposition that has asked for intervention. Also, it will further enhance ties between China and Maldives.

o Conventional wisdom and recent experience confirm that foreign-imposed regime changes, overt or covert, are doomed to failure.

o Furthermore, hard action could also be ruled out as India could not be sure how a new Government in Malé, after a regime change, will behave with regard to Indian interests.