In January, Muizzu set a deadline of March 15 for the complete withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the archipelago nation, according to the president’s office.
India has also given Maldives two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft, which are mainly used for marine surveillance, search and rescue operations and medical evacuations, Reuters reported.
The new deal with China marks a significant shift in Maldives’ foreign policy from Muizzu’s pro-India predecessor, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
But Maldives has long found itself in the middle of a geopolitical tussle with both India and China vying for influence.
China has increasingly expanded its footprint in Maldives, most visibly through large-scale infrastructure projects such as the $200 million China-Maldives Friendship Bridge.
Persons:
Mohamed Muizzu, Muizzu, “, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, ”, Mao Ning
Organizations:
CNN, Ocean, Maldivian Defense Ministry, Beijing, Reuters, Dornier, Maldives ’, Analysts, Foreign
Locations:
Maldives, China, India, Delhi, Beijing