Sairam asked: In what way political unrest in Maldives affects India’s security?

Anand Kumar replies: The Maldivian archipelago is quite close to the southern tip of India. Hence, any instability in the Island nation is likely to impact directly on India’s security. Pakistan-based terror groups have been eying Maldivian islands to set their bases. One prominent group in this regard is Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Countries inimical to India’s interest have also been trying to get a foothold in Maldives. Prominent among them are China and Pakistan. The instability in Maldives could be used by them to strengthen their position vis-à-vis India in the Island nation.