The Maldives (Commonwealth Union)_ According to officials, the Maldives has recently concluded a military assistance agreement with China following the departure of Indian troops from the strategically vital archipelago. President Mohamed Muizzu, who assumed power last year on an anti-Indian stance, has ordered the departure of around 89 Indian military personnel stationed in the island nation, with the process expected to be completed by May 10.
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Additionally, the signing of the “agreement on China’s provision of military assistance” was disclosed by the Maldivian defense ministry, highlighting that the arrangement was provided “gratis” or free of charge, although specific details were not disclosed. As per a statement shared on the social media platform X, the objective of the deal is to bolster stronger bilateral ties. Further, the increasing presence of China in the Indian Ocean and its influence in the Maldives and neighboring Sri Lanka have raised concerns in India, leading to heightened tensions in the region.
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Both island nations, strategically located along crucial east-west international shipping routes, hold significant geopolitical importance. However, relations between Male and New Delhi have strained since Muizzu’s election victory, with the Maldives gravitating towards China, its primary external creditor. Despite India’s historical influence in the Maldives, Muizzu has refuted claims of disrupting the regional balance by swapping Indian troops with Chinese forces. Further, the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, underscored Beijing’s dedication to establishing a “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership” with the Maldives. He further stated that the collaboration between the two nations remains non-extensive and unaffected by external interference or third-party involvement.
India declared last week that it would augment its naval presence on the strategically vital Lakshadweep islands, located around 130 kilometers (80 miles) to the north of the Maldives, in response to the surging tensions between the two countries. Accordingly, the operational surveillance of the vicinity will be augmented by the Indian naval troops stationed on Minicoy Island. According to reports, Muizzu guaranteed at a public rally that no Indian troops will remain on Maldivian soil after May 10. Additionally, as reported by the health ministry, twelve electric ambulances were donated by China to the Maldives.
In order to patrol the extensive maritime boundary of the Maldives, the three reconnaissance aircraft that were donated by New Delhi were in the hands of the expelled Indian personnel. It is anticipated that civilian staff will replace military personnel in charge of operating the aircraft. Accordingly, Indian civilian crew members have already arrived in the Maldives. Furthermore, China’s diplomatic engagement with the Maldives was exemplified through its acceptance of the research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 into Maldivian waters, subsequent to Sri Lanka’s denial on the grounds of Indian objections.
