2013 · GS Paper 2 · Q22 · 10 marks
Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India ?
In short
In 2012-13 the Maldives saw Nasheed's forced resignation, a politicised Supreme Court that annulled an election, and the cancellation of GMR's Male airport contract. These were a real but manageable concern for India, given the islands' place beside key sea lanes and China's growing presence.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 298 words
Contested transfer
Mohamed Nasheed resigned in February 2012 amid a police and military mutiny over his detention of a Criminal Court judge, calling it a coup, though a Commonwealth-backed inquiry upheld Waheed's succession.
Politicised judiciary
The Supreme Court annulled the September 2013 first round that Nasheed led, and Abdulla Yameen won the November runoff.
Economic nationalism
The Waheed government cancelled GMR's roughly $500 million Male airport contract in November 2012.
Strategic location
Astride the Eight Degree and One and a Half Degree Channels, a hostile Male would weaken India's first-responder role, shown in Operation Cactus (1988).
China's opening
China opened its Male embassy in 2011, and the Yameen years brought a China-Maldives free trade agreement (2017).
Investor risk
The GMR episode showed Indian projects could become hostages to domestic politics, and Nasheed's refuge in the Indian mission in 2013 drew India into partisan rivalry.
Radicalisation
Parties such as the Adhaalath Party, which joined Waheed's government, gave radical currents a voice, and Islamist drift so close to Lakshadweep raises India's security stakes.
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Neighbourhood Relations13 questions
Asked in 7 of 14 sittings since 2013
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.