Maldives To Get Free Military Assistance From China Amid Row With India

China has pledged free military support to the Maldives, enhancing their defense ties amidst a diplomatic strain with India.

This follows a recent agreement signed by Maldivian Defense Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon and a top Chinese military official, although specific details remain undisclosed.

Additionally, China has donated 12 environmentally friendly ambulances to the Maldives, as confirmed by the Chinese Ambassador during a handover event.

This gesture of goodwill coincides with China's research vessel being granted access to Maldivian ports for crew changes and resupply, a move that had raised concerns in India, especially after Sri Lanka denied the same vessel entry.

The Maldives, strategically located in the Indian Ocean, is reassessing its defense and security agreements with India under the new presidency of Mohamed Muizzu.

Muizzu, considered pro-China, has set a deadline for the phased withdrawal of Indian military personnel and their replacement by Maldivian technical teams.

Currently, Indian forces operate helicopters and aircraft for evacuation and humanitarian missions in the Maldives. The bilateral relationship, which flourished under the previous Maldivian administration, has become more complex with Muizzu's election and his promises to review agreements with India.