India Maldives Tensions due to Lakshadweep

Context:

• Worldwide search interest for Lakshadweep has peaked at its highest in the last 20 year after PM Modi’s visit.

What is Lakshadweep?

1. "Lakshadweep" in Malayalam means "One lakh islands," and it is a group of islands in the Arabian Sea,known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life.
2. It comprises of 36 atolls (currently 35) and coral reefs in the Laccadive Sea. Parali island which was earlier one of the atolls of Lakshdweep submerged as a result of rising sea level.
3. Coral reefs are like underwater ecosystems made by tiny animals called coral polyps, where lots of sea creatures live. Atolls are like ring-shaped islands with a lagoon, created by coral reefs growing around underwater volcanoes that sink over time.

Capital	Kavaratti
High Court Jurisdiction	Kerala High Court
Total Surface Area	32 Km² ( smallest Union Territory)
Total Inhabited Islands	11 (Out of 36)
Principal Languages	Malayalam, Jeseri (Dweep Bhasha), Mahl
Geographical Divisions	Northern Group (Aminidivi Islands) Central Group (Laccadive Islands) Southern Group (Minicoy Island)
9-degree Channel	Separates Amandivi and Laccadive island with Minicoy Island
8-degree Channel	Separates Minicoy Island with Maldives

What are the challenges faced by Lakshadweep?

1. Lack of Infrastructure: There's a lack of proper roads, hospitals, and schools, making development difficult.
2. Environmental Vulnerability: The islands are vulnerable to things like rising sea levels and natural disasters, which can cause problems for the people who live there.
3. Economic Dependence on Fisheries: The economy relies a lot on fishing, which can be risky because it might not always bring in enough money, and it doesn't give much variety in jobs or income sources.

Government Initiatives in Lakshadweep:

Submarine Optical Fiber Connection	Location: In the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands. Objective: To significantly increase internet speed, from 1.7Gbps to 200Gbps. Funding: Rs 1072 crore sourced from the Universal Service Obligation (USO) Fund. Project Execution Agency: BSNL
Low-Temperature Thermal Desalination Plant	Location: Kadmat Objective: It's a plant that turns seawater into freshwater using low-heat sources like the sun.
Functional Household Tap Connections	Coverage: Provided to all houses in Agatti and Minicoy islands.
Solar Power Plant	Location: Kavaratti. Purpose: Addressing energy challenges as the region's first solar plant.
Primary Health Care Facility	Location: Kalpeni. Progress: Establishment of healthcare services.
Anganwadi Centers	Locations: Androth, Chetlat, Kadmat, Agatti, and Minicoy islands. Progress: Setting up 5 model centers to provide early childhood care and education.
Ice Plant	Location: Agatti. Objective: Processing seafood, especially Tuna Fish, for export purposes.

Why India Maldives Tensions aroused due to Lakshadweep?

1. PM Modi’s visit has brought the attention of tourists towards Lakshdweep, which makes Maldives nervous for its tourism based economy.
2. The new president of Maldives has an anti-India attitude, highlighted in his India-Out Election campaign.
3. Recent incidents of racist comments by Maldivian parliamentarians in the context of Lakshadweep has further aroused the tensions.

Tourists from India to Maldives:

Year	Indian Tourists	Market Share of All Tourism of Maldives
2021	2.91 Lakh	23%
2022	2.41 Lakh	14.4%

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