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VOL. 12, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Assessing the India-Maldives relationship under India’s Neighbourhood First Policy: Strategic, political, and economic dimensions
Authors
Mobin
Abstract
The paper is a critical study on the changing nature of relations
between India and Maldives in the context of the Neighbourhood First policy of
India, in strategic, political, and economic contexts. The Maldives is a major
maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and as such, it plays an
important role in the geostrategic choices of India, as far as the region is
concerned. The paper examines how India has adjusted its foreign policy to
strengthen bilateral relationship by offering more developmental aid to the
country, investing in its infrastructure, and engaging in strategic
cooperation, particularly to the growing Chinese influence in the Maldives.
Politically, it examines the changes in Maldivian leadership and how this
affects bilateral relations with a specific emphasis on the swinging between
India-first and China-leaning policies. On the economic front, the paper
examines the key Indian-financed initiatives and how trade, tourism, and
connectivity can enhance bilateral interaction.
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Pages:21-26
How to cite this article:
Mobin "Assessing the India-Maldives relationship under India’s Neighbourhood First Policy: Strategic, political, and economic dimensions". International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, Vol 12, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 21-26
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