MALE, Maldives: The Maldives has inked a “military assistance” agreement with China following the expulsion of Indian troops from the archipelago, signalling a strategic shift under President Mohamed Muizzu.
The agreement, signed late Monday, aims to bolster bilateral ties and comes amidst growing suspicions of China’s influence in the Indian Ocean region. India, traditionally close to the Maldives, faces concerns over China’s expanding presence in the region.
The expulsion of Indian military personnel, expected to be completed by May 10, reflects a cooling in relations between Male and New Delhi since Muizzu’s election.
The Maldives’ decision to allow a Chinese research ship into its waters and the receipt of electric ambulances from China further underscore the nation’s diplomatic realignment towards Beijing.
