Why Is Maldives Turning to China for Military Support, Worrying India?

Image credit: Telegraph India

Maldives has inked a military assistance agreement with China, signaling a clear shift away from its traditional ally, India. The announcement, made by the Maldivian Defense Ministry on Tuesday, underscores President Mohamed Muizzu’s efforts to strengthen ties with China since assuming office last year, marking a departure from the country’s pro-India stance under his predecessor.

The agreement, described as “gratis” or free, signifies China’s commitment to providing military support to the Indian Ocean archipelago. While specific details of the assistance remain undisclosed, the move is seen as a strategic maneuver by President Muizzu to assert Maldives’ sovereignty and reduce dependence on India.

President Muizzu’s election campaign, centered on the slogan “India Out,” promised to remove Indian troops from Maldivian soil and reclaim lost national sovereignty. In line with these objectives, negotiations have been underway for the complete withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in Maldives, with a deadline set for March 15. The move signals a decisive shift in Maldives’ foreign policy, distancing itself from India and aligning more closely with China.

The presence of Indian troops in Maldives has long been a contentious issue, with India viewed as a traditional partner exerting influence in the region. However, China’s growing economic and infrastructural investments in Maldives, including the construction of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, have presented alternative opportunities for the island nation.

With nearly 1,200 low-lying coral islands strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean, Maldives occupies a pivotal geopolitical position, attracting the interests of both India and China. The recent military pact with China marks a departure from the historical dominance of India in Maldivian affairs, signaling a recalibration of regional power dynamics.

President Muizzu’s visit to Beijing in January culminated in the signing of 20 agreements encompassing various sectors, including infrastructure, trade, and development projects. China pledged approximately $127 million in aid for road development and social housing projects in the Maldivian capital, Male, further cementing bilateral ties between the two nations.

China’s commitment to enhancing strategic cooperation with Maldives was reiterated by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, who emphasized that the partnership is not directed against any third party. Despite concerns raised by India over China’s expanding influence in the region, Beijing reassured that its cooperation with Maldives would remain unaffected by external pressures.

In his presidential address, President Muizzu underscored the importance of bolstering Maldives’ military capabilities and achieving round-the-clock surveillance over its Exclusive Economic Zone. Additionally, the decision to not renew agreements allowing foreign countries to conduct oceanic surveys reflects Maldives’ determination to assert greater control over its territorial waters.

As Maldives deepens its engagement with China, India faces the challenge of navigating shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean region. The growing presence of China in Maldives, coupled with President Muizzu’s pro-China stance, underscores the need for India to recalibrate its regional strategy and adapt to evolving geopolitical realities.

As reported by CNN in their recent article