India and Maldives: 4th Defence Cooperation Dialogue

• 21 Mar 2023

Why in News?

Recently, India and the Maldives conducted the 4^th Defence Cooperation Dialogue (DCD) in Male.

• The DCD is the highest institutionalised interactive mechanism between the two countries. It charts the future course of relations between both Armed Forces.

What are the Areas of Cooperation Between India and Maldives?

• Tourism:
  • Tourism is the mainstay of Maldivian economy. The country is now a major tourist destination for some Indians and a job destination for others.
  • In August 2021, Afcons, an Indian company, signed a contract for the largest-ever infrastructure project in Maldives which is the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP).
• Security Partnership:
  • Defence cooperation extends to the areas of Joint Exercises - “Ekuverin”, “Dosti”, “Ekatha” and “Operation Shield” (begun in 2021).
  • India provides the largest number of training opportunities for Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF), meeting around 70% of their defence training requirements.
• Rehabilitation Centre:
  • Signing of an USD 80-million contract for the Addu reclamation and shore protection project.
• Infrastructure:
  • In 2022, the National College for Policing and Law Enforcement (NCPLE) was inaugurated by India’s External Affairs Minister.
    • NCPLE is the largest grant project executed by India in Maldives.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q. What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this. (2013)

Q. Discuss the political developments in the Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause for concern to India? (2013)

Source: PIB