CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -India’s relationship with the Maldives is free of any politically contentious issues. The one-time claim of Maldives to Minicoy Island was resolved by the Maritime Boundary Treaty of 1976 between the two countries, whereby Maldives has recognized Minicoy as an integral part of India.

Detailed explanation-2: -Bilateral Economic and Trade Relations 30. India and Maldives signed a trade agreement in 1981, which provides for export of essential commodities. In July 2021, India extended the agreement on quotas for restrictions‐free export of 9 essential commodities to the Maldives for the next 3 years.

Detailed explanation-3: -India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in antiquity and enjoy close, cordial and multi-dimensional relations. India was among the first to recognise Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the country.

Detailed explanation-4: -India shares its land borders with seven countries. Pakistan and Afghanistan in the northwest, China , Nepal, and Bhutan in the North and Myanmar and Bangladesh in the east. Towards the south, India has two neighbouring island countries - Sri Lanka and Maldives.