CAPF AC 2022 Q50: Current Affairs – International Conflicts & Security
- (a) Bangladesh
- (b) Maldives
- (c) Sri Lanka
- (d) United Arab Emirates
Answer: (b) Maldives
Explanation
Coastal radar system for the Maldives
How to think: India has been building a chain of coastal radars in friendly Indian Ocean countries.
In March 2022 the External Affairs Minister handed over a Coastal Radar System to the Maldives.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country | Maldives |
| When | March 2022, during the External Affairs Minister's visit |
| Given to | Maldives National Defence Force |
| What it is | A network of 10 radar stations across the atolls |
| Purpose | To watch ships and guard the Maldives' waters |
The bigger picture: this is part of India's SAGAR vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Neighbourhood First policy.
India has set up similar radars in Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Seychelles.
The data feeds the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region at Gurugram.
Answer: (b) Maldives.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Bangladesh signed an agreement on coastal surveillance, but the 2022 handover was to the Maldives.
- (b) CORRECT. India handed over the Coastal Radar System to the Maldives in March 2022.
- (c) Incorrect. Sri Lanka got its radars earlier; it was not the 2022 news.
- (d) Incorrect. The United Arab Emirates is not part of this radar chain.
Key point
Coastal Radar System: Maldives, March 2022, 10 stations. SAGAR (2015): Security and Growth for All in the Region. IFC-IOR: Gurugram, 2018. Maldives: capital Male; India ran Operation Cactus there in 1988.
Remember
Coastal Radar System: Maldives, March 2022.
Common mistakes
- Marking Sri Lanka, which has Indian radars but was not the recent recipient.
- Mixing up the radar handover with the gift of patrol vessels or aircraft.
- Forgetting the link with the SAGAR vision for the Indian Ocean.
Exam tip
Educated guess: the Maldives is a chain of over a thousand small islands with a huge sea area and a small force. A coastal radar chain suits it best.
Sources
- Ministry of External Affairs — Visit of External Affairs Minister to the Maldives (26-27 March 2022): handing over of the Coastal Radar System
- Ministry of Defence — Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR)