Maldives Inks Defence Pact With China Amid Indian Troop Departure

The Maldives has signed a "military assistance" deal with China after the expulsion of Indian troops from the strategically important archipelago, officials revealed Tuesday.

Some 89 Indian military personnel currently stationed in the country are set to depart by May 10, following orders from pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu, who came to power last year on an anti-Indian platform.

Photo Credit: PTI

Maldives, China Inks Defence Pact

The signing of an "agreement on China's provision of military assistance" with Beijing was announced by the Maldivian defence ministry late Monday, stating that the agreement was "gratis" or without payment, but providing no further details. The deal aims to foster "stronger bilateral ties," according to a post on the social media platform X.

India's concerns about China's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean and its influence in the Maldives, as well as in neighbouring Sri Lanka, have led to increased tensions in the region. Both South Asian island nations occupy strategic positions halfway along key east-west international shipping routes, as per AFP reports.

Relations between Male and New Delhi have cooled since Muizzu's election victory in September, with the Maldives shifting towards China, its largest external creditor. Despite India's perception of the Maldives being within its sphere of influence, Muizzu has denied seeking to alter the regional balance by replacing Indian troops with Chinese forces.

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized Beijing's commitment to building a "comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership" with the Maldives, asserting that cooperation between the two countries does not target any third party or face interference from external actors.

In response to the escalating tensions, India announced last week that it would reinforce its naval presence on the strategically significant Lakshadweep islands, situated approximately 130 kilometres (80 miles) north of the Maldives. The Indian naval unit stationed on Minicoy Island will enhance "operational surveillance" of the area. Speaking at a public rally, Muizzu assured that no Indian troops would remain on Maldivian soil after May 10, as reported by AFP.

The expelled Indian personnel were responsible for operating three reconnaissance aircraft gifted by New Delhi to patrol the Maldives' extensive maritime boundary. India is expected to replace the military personnel with civilian staff for operating the aircraft, with Indian civilian crew members already arriving in the Maldives.

Additionally, China's diplomatic outreach to the Maldives was demonstrated by the entry of the research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 into Maldivian waters, following its rejection by Sri Lanka due to objections from India. China also donated 12 electric ambulances to the Maldives, according to the health ministry.