• Maldives is an Island nation located in the Indian Ocean.
• It owes significance as it is a member of Indian Ocean Rim Association since 2018.
• Maldives has recently become a hotspot for the ongoing power struggle between India and China to establish supremacy over the Indian Ocean region.
• The present regime of Maldives under President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih is more inclined towards India than China. Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to the island nation soon after his re-election reflects the importance that India holds for the country.
• Both India and Maldives share the issues on religious radicalization, terrorism, energy crisis, blue economy, tourism, maritime security etc. India has signed agreements on various sectors in Modi’s recent visit to the nation.
• Cooperation in the field of Hydrography
• Health sector
• Establishment of passenger cargo service by sea between the two Nations
• Customs capacity building
• Sharing of White shipping information