Improving relations between India and the Maldives will strengthen the former's strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean and provide the latter with needed financial support, while laying the groundwork for deeper economic integration, including via a free trade agreement. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a $565-million credit line and launched free trade talks with the Maldives during his two-day visit to the island nation that began on July 25. The trip, which coincided with the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence, aimed to strengthen India's development partnership with the country, where New Delhi is competing with Beijing for influence. The visit also came amid rising concerns over the Maldives' struggling economy and foreign exchange shortages....
