Is Dragon playing smart? Decoding China's free military assistance to Maldives amid row with India

New Delhi: In a move to bolster bilateral relations and provide military aid, China has inked an agreement with Maldives, extending free military assistance to the island nation. This development unfolds against the backdrop of strained diplomatic ties between Maldives and India.

Key agreement signed between Maldives and China

Reports reveal that Maldives' Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon and Chinese official Major General Zhang Ba sealed the agreement in Male on Monday. The pact signifies China's commitment to bolstering military cooperation with Maldives amid evolving regional dynamics.

The Maldives government announced the agreement via social media platform X, highlighting the significance of enhanced bilateral ties facilitated by the provision of military support from China.

China's Gesture: 12 eco-friendly ambulances gifted to Maldives

In a separate gesture of goodwill, China presented Maldives with 12 eco-friendly ambulances during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health. Chinese Ambassador Wang Lixin officiated the handover, further cementing the growing rapport between the two nations.

India's military personnel replaced by technical experts

Amidst escalating tensions, India confirmed the replacement of military personnel stationed in Maldives with a team of technical experts. This shift follows Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's call for the withdrawal of Indian forces from the archipelago.

Currently, 88 Indian military personnel operate critical aviation assets, including two light helicopters and an aircraft, in Maldives. The recent deployment of technical experts underscores the evolving dynamics of military presence in the region.

Strained India-Maldives relations

Diplomatic strains between India and Maldives intensified following contentious remarks directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Maldivian ministers during his visit to the Lakshadweep islands. President Muizzu's pivot towards China marks a significant departure from the traditionally robust ties with India, signaling geopolitical realignments in the Indian Ocean region.

As a pro-China leader, Muizzu's outreach to Beijing underscores shifting alliances, notably challenging India's longstanding influence in the Maldives.