2024 · GS Paper 2 · Q20 · 15 marks
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 stability amidst international competition ?
In short
The Maldives guards the Indian Ocean sea lanes that carry Gulf energy and global trade, so its alignment shapes India's maritime security and regional stability amid Chinese competition. Its atolls flank the Eight Degree and One and a Half Degree Channels in an ocean carrying about 42% of global crude traded.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 278 words
Gatekeeper of sea lanes
Its atolls flank the Eight Degree and One and a Half Degree Channels in an ocean carrying about 42% of global crude oil traded (NITI Aayog, 2026).
India's energy lifeline
India imports over 85% of its crude and moves about 95% of its trade by volume by sea.
Economic stake
The US$500 million Greater Malé Connectivity Project and a US$565 million credit line (2025) tie Maldivian growth to India.
First responder
Operation Cactus (1988), the 2004 tsunami and Operation Neer (2014) built trust that steadies the region.
Security architecture
Coastal radars, the Dosti exercise and the Colombo Security Conclave give India maritime domain awareness.
Chinese competition
Chinese loans, the China-Maldives FTA (2025) and the Xiang Yang Hong 03 docking (2024) show rivals gaining ground.
Political volatility
The 2024 exit of Indian military personnel showed how Malé's politics can disrupt cooperation.
Steady partnership
Visible community projects, the 2024 maritime security partnership vision and debt-sensitive finance.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2024 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.