Maldives signs defense deal with China to expand area of ’military cooperation’ The deal is seen as an attempt by the South Asian country to break out of the Indian enclave. New Delhi has been at loggerheads over goods since Indian troops were ordered to leave the Maldives.
Officials in the Maldives said on Tuesday that Indian troops had been ordered to leave the island nation. They also confirmed the signing of a ‘military assistance agreement’ with China.
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Maldives has signed an agreement with China to build strong bilateral ties and receive military assistance, the country’s defense ministry said on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
The agreement was signed by the Maldivian Defense Minister and a senior Chinese military official.
Conflict with India Maldives has historically had good relations with neighboring India. But in last year’s election, pro-Chinese politician Mohamed Muijju came to power with the slogan ‘India out’. Ever since he took over as the country’s president, India’s relationship with the Maldives has been increasingly sour.
Maldives occupies an important position on the east-west shipping route of the Indian Ocean. India maintained its influence there for a long time.
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But after President Muijju’s order, New Delhi will now completely withdraw its troops from Maldives.
India provided three reconnaissance planes to Maldives to monitor its maritime boundaries. India deployed troops in the country to help manage them. Those army personnel are expected to leave Maldives by May 10.
Civilian personnel may be used to operate the search planes after the Indian Army personnel leave.
The Indian Navy said last week that ‘operational surveillance’ would be increased from Minicoy in Lakshadweep, India, 130 km north of the Maldives.
Last month, China’s marine research vessel Jiang Yang Hong 3 was allowed to dock in the Maldives. During his visit to Beijing in January, the President of Maldives also signed several agreements with China related to infrastructure, energy and agriculture.
India is wary of China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean, including the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Source: Deutsche Welle KAA/
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