In a recent development, the defense agreement between the Maldives government and China has raised concerns for India. This is primarily due to President Muizzu’s statement that the Maldives will receive weapons from China for free, and Chinese forces will provide training to Maldivian security personnel. So far, both India and the United States have been involved in training the Maldivian military.
Growing Defense Agreement Raises Concerns About Distance from India
- China-Maldives Defense Agreement
- Increased Dependence on China in Male
- Maldives’ Efforts to Distance Itself from India
Muizzu’s China Visit
President Muizzu undertook a visit to China in January of this year. During this visit, several agreements were reached between the two nations. A recent defense agreement has been signed, and this has raised eyebrows due to the lack of detailed information available.
China has committed to providing extensive military assistance to the Maldives, raising concerns as the full details of the agreement remain undisclosed. The Maldivian Defense Ministry, through social media, announced that Major General Zhang Baokun, Deputy Director of China’s International Military Cooperation Office, has signed a bilateral defense agreement with Malé. This agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral relations significantly.
The Maldivian President, Muizzu, has been actively working to enhance ties with China during his tenure. While the relationship with India has weakened, Muizzu has consistently shown interest in improving relations with China.
China’s Growing Presence
China has been a longstanding partner for the Maldives, with ongoing cooperation in various sectors. However, during Muizzu’s presidency, relations with India have strained. Notable instances include the expulsion of Indian military personnel and the termination of agreements related to oceanography and water science.
On the other hand, China has been expanding its strategic presence in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives has allowed Chinese research vessels like the Jiang Yang Hong 3 to dock in its ports, raising concerns in India about potential military intelligence advantages for China.
Indian Military Presence in the Maldives
With the recent defense agreement, questions arise about the presence of Indian military personnel in the Maldives. If the deal progresses, Chinese forces may replace or work alongside Indian military personnel in the Maldives, impacting India’s influence in the region.
Upcoming Elections in the Maldives
The Maldives is set to hold parliamentary elections this month, a crucial test for President Muizzu. The election results will determine his domestic standing. In his bid for local support, Muizzu has been consistently critical of India while fostering closer ties with China.
The China-Maldives defense agreement signifies a shift in geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean region. The strengthening alliance between the two nations, coupled with the lack of transparency in the defense deal, raises concerns for India’s strategic interests. As the Maldives distances itself from India and embraces closer ties with China, it is imperative for India to reassess its regional strategies and diplomatic engagements. The evolving situation requires a nuanced approach to maintain stability and safeguard India’s interests in the Indian Ocean.