India Maldives Diplomatic Relations

From the first recorded settlers- Giravaaru people from South India to the footprints left by the Chola empire, during their broader naval campaigns in the 10th century in the Maldives, the roots of the India-Maldives relations run deep in shared soil. India and Maldives share a common heritage of ancient Hindu ritualistic tradition of Srauta, venerating the sun god, and spiritual Buddhist traditions, with Buddhist stupas & viharas excavated across islands like Male, Fuvahmulah, Gan, and Thoddoo. The common heritage in Hinduism, Buddhism, and later Islam, bound both nations together in the timeless values of harmony, empathy, peaceful co-existence and reciprocal respect.

India and Maldives share a long and multifaceted relationship, marked by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious, and commercial ties that stretch back centuries. After Maldives gained independence from British protectorate status on 26 July, 1965, India was among the first to recognize Maldives as an independent and sovereign nation. In the same year, on November 01, formal diplomatic relations were officially established between India and Maldives.

India was the first country to establish its resident High Commission in Maldives in 1978. Between 1965-1978, the Maldives was accredited to the High Commission of India, Colombo in Sri Lanka. Maldives opened its first Resident High Commission at New Delhi in 2004 before which diplomatic representation was managed from the Maldivian High Commission in Colombo and its Permanent Mission in New York (for conducting broader international diplomacy)

India’s role as a ‘First Responder’ in crises have been firmly established with the launch of Operation Cactus – a swift military intervention in response to an attempted coup against President Gayoom, in 1988, followed by the launch of ‘Operation Castor’ providing significant relief and assistance to the Maldives amid devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami of December 2004, and ‘Operation Neer’ in 2014 during water crisis in Male. Later, during Covid times, pandemic solidarity through Operation Sanjeevni and Vaccine Maitri further reinforced India’s role as the first responder for Maldives during any crisis.

India formally adopted the ‘Neighborhood First’ policy in May 2014, with Maldives occupying a place of prominence due to its geographical proximity and strategic relevance. The relationship was further upgraded with SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and expanded into a broader MAHASAGAR vision in post-2020, with India firmly establishing its credentials of a “first responder” in times of crisis.

India is among the top trading partners of Maldives, and bilateral trade has grown steadily, with new shipping and air connectivity links facilitating business and commerce. Indian tourists contribute significantly to the Maldivian tourism sector, while Indian enterprises and professionals are actively involved in the country’s key sectors.

At the heart of this vibrant partnership lies a deep cultural and people-to-people connection. The proximity of the two countries has enabled centuries of exchange of language, art, craftsmanship, culinary traditions, and shared experiences that continue to shape the collective identities of both peoples.

Maritime Heritage: The Uru and the Vadhu Dhoni: This Commemorative Postage Stamp, featuring the Indian boat Uru and the Maldivian boat Vadhu Dhoni, is a tribute to the age-old maritime traditions that have long connected India and the Maldives. These traditional boats reflect the shared oceanic legacy and enduring craftsmanship of both nations.

The Uru – India’s Mastercraft from Beypore: The Uru, also known as the “Fat Boat,” is a large wooden dhow handcrafted in the historic boatyards of Beypore, Kerala. These boats have been part of the Indian Ocean trade for centuries, traditionally used by Arab merchants for transporting goods. Made primarily of teak wood, Urus are renowned for their durability, elegance, and impressive scale. Even today, Uru-building is an artisanal tradition preserved by skilled craftsmen, passed down through generations without blueprints or manuals. The Uru is a proud symbol of India’s maritime heritage and the long-standing commercial exchanges between the Indian subcontinent and island nations such as the Maldives.

The Vadhu Dhoni – Pride of the Maldivian Seas: A traditional Maldivian fishing boat, the Vadhu Dhoni is locally crafted for reef and coastal fishing. Built with a narrow wooden hull, it allows smooth navigation through lagoons and seas. Most are powered by inboard motors today, though some still retain their traditional sailing capabilities. Often used for handline fishing, it symbolizes the Maldives’ rich maritime heritage and the close bond between island life and the ocean.