Intro:India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in antiquity. India was among the 1st to recognise Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the country Maldives occupies very special place in the ‘Neighbourhood first’ policy and SAGAR (Security and growth for all in the region) Context: India’s prompt assistance during 1988 coup attempt lead to development of trust and long-term and friendly bilateral relations with the Maldives. The immediate withdrawal of troops when they were no longer required assuaged fears of any Indian dominance or territorial aspirations India was the 1st to assist Maldives during the 2004 tsunami as well as water crisis in Malé in 2014 Under op NEER, India immediately rushed bottled drinking water to malé using air force and navy. These three incidents in 1988, 2004 and 2014 had established the advantages of India’s proximity and capacity to come to Maldives resc...