China has recently entered into a defense cooperation agreement with the Maldives, offering free military aid to strengthen bilateral relations.
Tensions have escalated between the Maldives and India, prompting the Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu to set a deadline for the departure of Indian military personnel. The Maldives defense minister, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, met with Major General Zhang Baoqun of China’s Office for International Military Cooperation to solidify defense ties.
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The agreement includes China providing free military support to the Maldives, and in addition, 12 environmentally friendly ambulances have been gifted. This move comes as a response to the growing strain between the Maldives and India, with the first wave of Indian troops facing a deadline to leave by March 10.
India had previously deployed civilian technical experts to replace military personnel in the Maldives, particularly operating an advanced light helicopter. However, with the recent military delegation from China visiting the Maldives, tensions have further intensified.
The strained diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India date back to President Muizzu’s assumption of office in November 2023. Seen as pro-Chinese, he vowed to expel Indian personnel from the nation.
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Tensions escalated during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Lakshadweep China islands in January 2024, with disparaging remarks from Maldivian cabinet ministers in response to Modi’s social media posts about the trip. The geopolitical dynamics in the region continue to evolve, raising concerns about the growing rift between the Maldives and India.