UPSC Mains 2024 GS2 Q20 — India-Maldives Relations
Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India's maritime security and regional stabiltiy amidst international competition? (Answer in 250 words) 15
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- geopolitical and geostrategic importanceglobal trade and energy flowsmaritime securityregional stabilityinternational competition
- Implicit sub-parts
- Specific role of Maldives in securing the Eight Degree Channel and the 'toll gate' of the Indian Ocean.
- Impact of Maldivian internal politics (e.g., 'India Out' campaign vs 'India First' policy) on regional security architecture.
- Counter-strategies to the Chinese 'String of Pearls' and the BRI presence in the archipelago.
- Evaluation of Maldives as a primary responder within the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) framework.
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing too much on tourism and bilateral cultural ties while ignoring the specific mandate of trade and energy flows.
- Failing to mention specific maritime initiatives like the Colombo Security Conclave or the Integrated Coastal Surveillance System.
- Writing a general essay on India-Maldives relations without addressing the 'international competition' (specifically China) mentioned in the prompt.
- Neglecting the significance of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Maldives in controlling illegal fishing and piracy.
- Dimensions required
- Geographic (SLOCs and Choke-points)Economic (Energy security and trade routes)Security (Maritime Domain Awareness)Geopolitical (Major power rivalry/Zero-sum competition)Strategic (Defense cooperation and HADR capabilities)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate approximately 5 marks to the trade and energy section, focusing on SLOCs and the 8-degree channel. Reserve 7 marks for the maritime security and regional stability analysis, specifically contrasting Indian initiatives with Chinese influence. Use the remaining 3 marks for a high-impact introduction and a forward-looking conclusion on 'Neighborhood First'.
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