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Maldives and Lakshadweep Islands

Maldives and Lakshadweep have been in news in the recent past prominently and IASNOVA considers them important topics for UPSC Prelims 2024 around which questions can be asked, whether general information related to both or map-based questions, or questions on corals and reefs or about INDIA-MALDIVES RELATIONS. Aspirants should study all the aspects.

 

 

Do study Indian Ocean Islands for map-based questions in Prelims 2024.

MALDIVES

  • It is a low-lying island country in the north-central Indian Ocean. 
  • Its closest neighbours are India, about 600 kilometres north-east, and Sri Lanka, about 645 kilometres north-east.
  • Geography:
    • It consists of a chain of about 1,200 small coral islands and sandbanks (some 200 of which are inhabited), grouped in clusters, or atolls.
    • The atolls have sandy beaches, lagoons, and a luxuriant growth of coconut palms, together with breadfruit trees and tropical bushes.
    • The islands extend more than 510 miles (820 km) from north to south and 80 miles (130 km) from east to west.
    • None of the coral islands stand more than 1.8 metres (six feet) above sea level.
    • Barrier reefs protect the islands from the destructive effects of monsoons. 
  • Capital: Male
  • Languages:
    • The official language is an Indo-European language called Dhivehi (or Maldivian).
    • Arabic, Hindi, and English are also spoken.
  • Islam is the state religion.
  • Economy: It revolves mainly around tourism.
  • Constitutional Framework: The constitution of the Maldives was adopted in 2008.
    • The head of state and government is the president, assisted by a vice president and a cabinet.
    • The president and vice president are directly elected by universal suffrage to a maximum of two five-year terms.

 

 

LAKSHADWEEP

Location and Composition

  • Lakshadweep is a group of islands located in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Kerala, India.
  • The territory comprises 36 islands, forming an archipelago of 12 atolls, three reefs, and five submerged banks​

Size and Distribution

  • The total land area of the islands is about 32 square kilometers.
  • The islands are situated between 220 to 440 km away from Kochi, Kerala, stretching from north to south​

Topography

  • The islands are the northernmost of the Lakshadweep-Maldives-Chagos group, sitting atop the Chagos-Lakshadweep Ridge, an underwater mountain range​
  • The terrain is mostly flat, with the highest elevation being just about 2 meters above sea level.

Climate

  • Lakshadweep experiences a tropical climate with an average temperature ranging from 27° C to 32° C.
  • The region is humid, warm, and pleasant, with the climate becoming humid warm during monsoons when ship-based tourism is closed​.
  • The islands receive rainfall from June to October during the Southwest Monsoon, with an average annual rainfall decreasing from South to North across the archipelago​

Coastal and Marine Environment

  • The islands have a combined coastline of 132 km, surrounded by lagoons covering an area of 4,200 km².
  • The territorial waters extend to 20,000 km², with an exclusive economic zone covering 400,000 km², rich in marine biodiversity​

Flora and Fauna

  • The islands are known for their rich marine life, including over 70 different variants of corals.
  • The terrestrial flora is limited but includes common coastal vegetation like coconut palms and small trees.
  • The marine fauna includes a variety of sea creatures such as crabs, water birds, lobsters, and sea turtles​

Conservation and Ecology

  • The unique ecosystem of Lakshadweep is sensitive to environmental changes, making conservation efforts crucial for sustaining its biodiversity.
  • Coral reefs around the islands play a critical role in protecting the coastline from erosion and in supporting marine life.

Historical Significance: The region has evidence of human settlement from at least 1500 BCE. The islands have been mentioned in Buddhist Jataka tales and have been influenced by various dynasties and rulers over the centuries, including the Cheras, Pallavas, and the Cholas.

 

Political and Administrative Structure: Lakshadweep operates as a single district union territory with Kavaratti serving as the capital. It is governed by the Government of Lakshadweep and falls under the jurisdiction of the Kerala High Court

Population and Language: The islands have a population of around 64,473 people, according to the 2011 census. Malayalam is predominantly spoken, with Mahl being spoken in Minicoy Island. English is also used for official purposes.

 

India-Maldives Relations and Recent Developments:

Historical and Diplomatic Ties:

  • Relationship dates back to 1965, post-British control.
  • India engaged with Maldives’ political, military, business, and civil society since 2008 democratic transition.

Maldives’ Significance for India:

  • Strategic Location: South of India, critical for monitoring maritime traffic and regional security.
  • Cultural Link: Historical connections; Buddhism influence until the 12th century.
  • Regional Stability: Aligned with India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy.

India’s Significance for Maldives:

  • Essential Supplies: Key supplier of food, medicines, and infrastructure materials.
  • Education: Primary education provider for Maldivian students.
  • Disaster Assistance: Aid during crises, including tsunamis and the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Security Provider: Security assistance, including Operation Cactus; joint naval exercises like “Ekuverin”, “Dosti”, and “Ekatha”.
  • Tourism: Indian tourists lead source market post-Covid-19, accounting for 11.2% of total arrivals in 2023.

Major Challenges:

  • India-Out Campaign: Movement demanding withdrawal of Indian military personnel; deadline set for March 15, 2024.
  • Tourism Strain: Diplomatic disputes and social media boycott trends following disparaging comments towards the Indian Prime Minister.
  • China’s Rising Influence: Increasing engagement and strategic interest in the Maldives, causing regional geopolitical concerns.

Recent China-Maldives Deals:

  • Elevation of Ties: To a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
  • Key Agreements:
    • Belt and Road Initiative: Joint acceleration of cooperation plan.
    • Tourism Cooperation: Strengthening sector collaboration.
    • Disaster Risk Reduction: Joint efforts in disaster management.
    • Blue Economy: Advancing sustainable ocean resource use.
    • Digital Economy: Strengthening digital economy investments.
  • Economic Assistance: China provides grant assistance; bilateral trade totaled USD 451.29 million in 2022.
 
 

 

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