SarkariPYQ

SSC CHSL 2025 PYQ — Question 82

SSC CHSL - 15 Nov 2025 - Shift 1 • General Awareness • Q82

Back to paper

In November 2024, who has been appointed as High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Maldives?

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is Option 2: G. Balasubramanyam.

Explanation:

In November 2024, the Government of India appointed senior diplomat G. Balasubramanyam as India's next High Commissioner to the Republic of Maldives.

  • Career: G. Balasubramanyam is a 1998-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
  • Experience: Prior to this appointment, he served as India's High Commissioner to Nigeria. He has also served in key Indian diplomatic missions in locations such as Bangkok, Washington D.C., and Moscow.
  • Context: India's relations with the Maldives are considered strategically vital, particularly in the context of the 'Neighborhood First' policy and the 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. His appointment succeeds that of Munu Mahawar.

Distinction Between Diplomatic Posts (For Revision):

Competitive examinations often involve confusion regarding the difference between a 'High Commissioner' and an 'Ambassador'; understand the distinction here:

Post Where Used
High Commissioner Between Commonwealth countries (e.g., India–Maldives)
Ambassador Between Non-Commonwealth countries (e.g., India–USA)
 

Key Highlights of India-Maldives Relations (Current Affairs):

  • Operation Cactus: India's military intervention in the Maldives in 1988 to thwart a coup attempt.
  • Security Cooperation: The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbors in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • Economic Assistance: The Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP) is the largest infrastructure project supported by India in the Maldives.

Important Questions for Upcoming Examinations:

Question: What is the capital of the Maldives?

Answer: Malé. Question: Who is India's current High Commissioner to the Maldives?

Answer: G. Balasubramanian (since November 2024).

Question: What is the full form of India's 'SAGAR' initiative?

Answer: Security and Growth for All in the Region.