Maldives Signs Defense Pact with China, Indian Troops to Depart

The Maldives has entered into a defense pact with China, officials revealed on Tuesday, as the directive for Indian troops stationed in the strategically situated archipelago to depart looms.

President Mohammed Muizzu, who took office last year with an anti-Indian stance, ordered the exit of Indian military personnel by May 10, 2024.

In a diplomatic shift towards Beijing and away from New Delhi, Male permitted a Chinese research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 3, entry into its waters last month after it was denied docking by Sri Lanka following Indian objections labeling it a spy ship. Additionally, China presented the Maldives with 12 electric ambulances on Sunday, as confirmed by the health ministry.

The Maldivian defense ministry confirmed the signing of an “agreement on China’s provision of military assistance” late Monday, emphasizing its gratuitous nature but refraining from providing additional specifics. After confirming this defense pact, the ministry underscored the deal’s objective to bolster “stronger bilateral ties” in a post on social media platform X.

India harbors apprehensions over China’s expanding presence in the Indian Ocean and its influence in both the Maldives and neighboring Sri Lanka. Positioned strategically along pivotal east-west international shipping routes, these South Asian island nations hold strategic importance.

Relations between Male and New Delhi have cooled since Muizzu’s electoral victory in September.

Muizzu, addressing a public rally north of the capital, reiterated the absence of Indian troops on Maldivian soil post-May 10, the designated withdrawal date. The Indian contingent had been tasked with operating three reconnaissance aircraft gifted by New Delhi to patrol the vast maritime boundary.

India is anticipated to substitute the military personnel with civilian staff to manage the aircraft. Last month, the Maldivian defense ministry announced the arrival of Indian civilian crew members in the atoll nation.

The Maldives, comprising approximately 1,200 coral islands and atolls in the Indian Ocean, has historically fallen under India’s sphere of influence. India’s presence in the region enables monitoring of a vital part of the Indian Ocean. China, with its expanding naval capabilities, seeks access to this strategically significant location, a prospect India aims to hinder. Additionally, Beijing aims to safeguard its Gulf energy supplies that transit through this route.

Both New Delhi and Beijing have provided the Maldives with substantial financial aid through loans and grants for infrastructure and development initiatives.