The Maldives signed a military pact with China on Tuesday, marking the latest sign that the Indian Ocean archipelago's pro-China shift is continuing.
The development comes following the election of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu last year. In a statement, the Maldivian Defense Ministry said that it had worked out a deal with Beijing on Monday regarding China's provision of military assistance to the region. The statement added that the deal seeks to foster "stronger bilateral ties."
China-Maldives Military Assistance Deal
However, the details of what the assistance would actually entail were not yet released, but the ministry did say that the deal was "gratis," which means that it was given for free. The signing of the agreement is part of President Muizzu's efforts to develop closer relations with China since taking office in November.
It follows his "India Out" election campaign, during which he committed to removing Indian troops from Maldivian soil and reasserting "lost" national sovereignty. Earlier this year, the Maldivian president set a deadline of Mar. 15 for the complete withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the archipelago nation, as per CNN.
Last month, Muizzu's office issued an update that said negotiations had agreed troops would leave in stages. The first group was expected to withdraw before Mar. 10 and the rest will go before May 10.
There were reportedly 77 Indian soldiers and 12 medical personnel stationed in the Maldives. The Indian government also gave the island archipelago two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft. These were mainly used for marine surveillance, search-and-rescue operations, and medical evacuations.
The new military assistance agreement with China is a significant shift from Maldives' foreign policy under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Many consider the South Asian nation a popular tourist destination for its white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons.
Muizzu previously said that people who spread false rumors are simply trying to twist the situation to fit their needs. He referred to the Indian military personnel when he said those people were not departing and were returning after changing their uniforms into civilian clothing, according to the Times of India.
Shifting Away From India
Maldives has reportedly successfully tied up with Sri Lanka to run flights for medical evacuation last week. This development indicated that the region was determined to remove all Indian troops from its territory.
The president said that efforts are on with due importance to "regain the southern maritime area deprived of the country" as he highlited that securing true independence is a concept that he regards with utmost priority.
The islands lie in a strategically important position halfway along major east-west shipping routes. India has long considered them part of its sphere of influence in the Indian Ocean.
The Indian navy announced last week that it would boost "operational surveillance" from the island of Minicoy in the Lakshadweep islands. These are located roughly 130 kilometers north of the Maldives.
A Chinese maritime research vessel, Xiang Yang Jong 03, received permission last month to dock in the Maldives. President Muizzu also signed a series of infrastructure, energy, and agricultural deals with Beijing during a visit to the Asian nation's capital in January, according to DW News.
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