Description
This paper assesses Maldives’ strategies to elevate its status from a passive participant to that of an active voice in the Indo-Pacific region. Maldives has aimed to establish itself as a credible voice in the region, given the strategic location, the leadership role on the global stage as a small Islands’ developing state (SIDS), and diplomatic strengths bilaterally and multilaterally. President of the Maldives, Mohammed Muizzu, has also outlined a commitment to position Maldives as a "bridge" between major global powers through neutrality, non-alignment, and multilateralism. The paper, more specifically, examines three core aspects of Maldives’ foreign policy. First, I show how Maldives should enhance ties with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and engage more actively in the Quad’s initiatives that focus on maritime security, disaster response, and climate change—issues critical to small island nations. Second, I analyse Maldives’ balancing relations with India and China while strengthening relations with ASEAN and Japan to amplify influence in the region. Third, I assess strategies to enhance Maldives’ maritime capabilities and regional security cooperation, particularly terrorism, piracy, and trafficking. Altogether, assessing these key issues are key to solidify Maldives' role in Indo-Pacific security and diplomacy.
