Maldives and China Engage in Talks for Research Device Installation in Indian Ocean Waters

Maldives and China are in talks to equip fish aggregating devices (FADs) with tools to gather oceanic data, including fish movements, in the Indian Ocean. This initiative follows the visit of the Chinese research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 03, to Maldivian waters in early 2024, which raised concerns in India.

The Maldives' Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam recently met with China's Second Institute of Oceanography. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations, as shared by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources on social media platform X. Additionally, officials from the Second Institute engaged with the Maldives' Tourism and Environment Ministry and Meteorology Department.

Collaborative Research Efforts

Details of these meetings remain undisclosed by the Maldivian government. However, RaajjeMV reported that China suggested installing devices for research purposes in Maldivian waters. These devices aim to collect chemical and physical sea data alongside tracking fish movements.

China is collaborating with the Meteorology Department to secure permits for this project. Furthermore, an agreement was signed on February 19, 2025, between the South China Sea Institute of Oceanography and the Maldives Environmental Protection Agency for marine research.

Strategic Importance of Maldives

Xiang Yang Hong 03, a state-of-the-art Chinese research vessel, embarked on its journey to the Maldives on January 14. This was shortly after President Mohamed Muizzu's state visit to China. The vessel reached near the Maldives on January 29 and docked in Male on February 22. It later returned to Thilafushi harbour on April 25 after a month at sea.

The Maldives Foreign Ministry previously stated that Xiang Yang Hong 03 visited for crew rotation and stock replenishment. The Maldives' strategic location is crucial due to its proximity to India—70 nautical miles from Minicoy in Lakshadweep and 300 nautical miles from India's western coast—and its position along key commercial sea routes in the Indian Ocean Region.

The ongoing discussions between China and the Maldives highlight potential advancements in oceanic research. These efforts could provide valuable insights into marine environments while strengthening bilateral ties between both nations.