CENTRE FOR AIR POWER STUDIES

It remains to be seen how the goodwill generated during the visit, with the MoUs signed, agreements undertaken, and the vision document jointly comprehended, will traverse through the next four years of the Muizzu administration and take the relationship forward amid the drifting regional and global politics. [...] A closer look at the ties over the past year reveals several moments of uncertainty and unpredictability, marking a shift away from some of the ‘obvious’ aspects of the relationship.1 Some of such moments include the demand for the return of Indian soldiers operating Indian aviation platforms involved in humanitarian assistance and breaking the norm of making India the first foreign visit.2 Additi. [...] Fresh air is now ventilating the partnership as reflected in the document ‘India and Maldives: A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security’ jointly released and agreed upon by PM Modi of India and President Muizzu of Maldives.3 The interdependency between development, diversification, and decentralisation of the projects and the areas of cooperation forms the core of the document and. [...] According to the Ministry of Tourism, Republic of 2 CAPS InFocus 23 October 2024 Maldives, the total number of Indian tourist arrivals from January to August in 2023 was 1,35,495, while in 2024, it was 81,505.5 To this end, New Delhi’s currency swap agreement with the Maldives and the buying of the latter’s treasury bills stand out.6 Additionally, Muizzu also visited the fin. [...] Further, he also invited filmmakers and production houses to shoot films and television serials in the Maldives.7 Despite all the symbolism and substance of the visit, as the Indian Ocean becomes increasingly dynamic and re-emerges on the strategic map of both distant and proximate powers, the need for diversification of partnerships will be sought after by both small and big countries.