INDIA - MALDIVES
Hydrography is the scientific study and mapping of bodies of water, including oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and other waterways, along with the surrounding coastal areas. It involves measuring and describing various features of these water bodies, such as their depths, tides, currents, shorelines, and the physical characteristics of the seabed or riverbed.
The main goals of hydrography include:
Nautical charting: Creating detailed maps or charts used for navigation by ships and vessels. These charts display water depths, underwater obstructions, currents, and other relevant information critical for safe maritime navigation.
Understanding water bodies: Studying the physical properties, topography, and bathymetry (the underwater equivalent of topography) of oceans, seas, and inland water bodies to comprehend their features and variations.
Environmental management: Monitoring and managing water resources, coastal zones, and underwater habitats for environmental conservation and sustainable use.
Hydrographers use various tools and techniques, including sonar, satellites, depth soundings, and geographic information systems (GIS), to collect and analyze data about water bodies. This data is crucial for creating accurate and up-to-date navigational charts, understanding changes in sea level or coastal erosion, conducting marine research, supporting offshore activities like oil and gas exploration, and ensuring safe and efficient maritime transportation.
3. India's Expertise on Hydrography
India has been steadily expanding its expertise in hydrography over the years. The country's hydrographic expertise and capabilities have been developed primarily through its navy and specialized hydrographic agencies.
India has actively participated in the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) since 1955. The Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD) originated in 1874 in Kolkata and serves as the central authority for hydrographic surveys.
Operating a fleet of contemporary survey vessels developed within the country, the INHD collaborates with various nations in the Indian Ocean Region as well as African and East Asian countries like Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, Maldives, Mozambique, Vietnam, Myanmar, Kenya, and Sri Lanka.
Over time, the INHD's role has expanded due to the increasingly global nature of hydrography and its recognized potential in enhancing maritime diplomacy as a significant force multiplier. The National Institute of Hydrography, a part of the INHD, has provided training to personnel from 39 different countries
Here are some key points about India's expertise in hydrography:
Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD): The Indian Navy operates the INHD, which is responsible for conducting hydrographic surveys, charting coastal and navigational waters, and producing nautical charts. It plays a critical role in ensuring safe navigation for both military and civilian vessels in Indian waters.
Hydrographic Surveys: India has been actively conducting hydrographic surveys in its territorial waters, including along the coastline, ports, and harbors, to gather data on water depths, currents, and navigational hazards. These surveys contribute to updating nautical charts and ensuring safe maritime navigation.
International Collaboration: India collaborates with various international hydrographic organizations and partners to exchange hydrographic data, techniques, and best practices. This collaboration helps in improving the accuracy and coverage of hydrographic surveys and charts.
Modernization Efforts: India has been investing in modernizing its hydrographic capabilities by acquiring advanced survey vessels, employing state-of-the-art surveying equipment, and leveraging technology for data collection, processing, and chart production.
Training and Education: India offers training programs in hydrography to personnel from its navy and other relevant agencies. These programs focus on equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge required for conducting hydrographic surveys and producing accurate nautical charts
4.Significance of 2019 MoU
- The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in June 2019 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Maldives. This marked Mr. Modi's second trip to the Maldives following his attendance at President Solih's inauguration in 2018.
- Prior to the MoU, President Solih and the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) had achieved a significant victory in the general elections.
- Both neighboring nations, supported by strong public mandates, pledged to collaborate closely on developmental, defense, and maritime security matters. The initial Joint Commission on Hydrography convened in the Maldives in September 2019.
- Subsequent to this agreement, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Indian Navy conducted joint hydrographic surveys in 2021, 2022, and 2023
- While President Muizzu hasn't explicitly addressed the MoU regarding the joint hydrographic survey, a high-ranking official informed the Maldivian media that the decision aligned with the current administration's commitment to cancel any agreements with foreign entities that jeopardize the national security of the Maldives.
- The official emphasized the importance of enhancing the Maldivian military's capabilities to safeguard national sovereignty, advocating for independent surveillance and monitoring of the country's waters without involvement from foreign parties. Mohamed Firzul, Under Secretary for Public Policy, conveyed this message during a media briefing.
- This stance seemed consistent with Mr. Muizzu's overarching election promises, which included the removal of Indian troops and a focus on "restoring the Maldives's sovereignty." Upon assuming office, President Muizzu's initial official announcements echoed the key demand of the 'India Out' campaign, spearheaded by former President Abdulla Yameen
6. History of India-Maldives ties
- The relationship between India and the Maldives dates back centuries, rooted in cultural, historical, and geographical connections. Here's an overview of the history of their ties:
- India and the Maldives share historical connections through trade, cultural exchanges, and interactions that span centuries. There's evidence of Indian cultural influence in the Maldives, particularly in language, religion, and traditions.
- The Maldives gained independence from British protection in 1965. Since then, India and the Maldives have maintained diplomatic relations, focusing on areas like trade, defense cooperation, education, and cultural exchanges.
- Over the years, India has played a significant role in assisting the Maldives in defense and security matters. This includes providing training to Maldivian defense personnel, conducting joint military exercises, and offering assistance during times of crisis or natural disasters.
- Both countries have collaborated on various regional and international platforms, such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), to address common challenges and promote regional cooperation.
- India has been involved in several developmental projects in the Maldives, including infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and capacity building. Economic cooperation and assistance have been integral aspects of the bilateral relationship.
- Despite the historically close ties, there have been instances of strained relations between India and the Maldives, particularly during political transitions in the Maldives that led to uncertainties in bilateral relations. However, efforts have been made to address and overcome such challenges.
- In recent years, the two countries have focused on enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including maritime security, counter-terrorism, trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. Efforts are ongoing to strengthen these ties through mutual cooperation and understanding
7. What does this mean for India-Maldives ties?
Based on recent events, it seems that New Delhi is set to encounter a challenging period in its partnership with Male. Maldives, a participant in the Colombo Security Conclave, an effort to bolster maritime security in the Indian Ocean involving India, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius, took a notable step by skipping the latest high-level meeting of the Conclave held in Mauritius earlier this month. This decision coincided with the visit of Maldivian Vice-President Hussain Mohamed Latheef to China, where he participated in the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation, expressing the Maldives' interest in exploring new avenues of collaboration with China.
Additionally, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded to the termination of the joint hydrographic initiative with India by emphasizing New Delhi's belief in the potential benefits of neighbouring countries leveraging India's expertise. Observers are keen to see how India manages the complex dynamics with its southern neighbour amidst these developments
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Previous Year Questions 1. Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’? (UPSC CSE 2014) (a) Andaman and Nicobar Answer: (a) Mains 1. What do you understand by ‘The String of Pearls’? How does it impact India? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this. (UPSC CSE GS II 2013) 2. Discuss the political developments in the Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause for concern to India? (UPSC CSE GS II 2013) |
Source: The Hindu
