Maldives signs China military pact in further shift away from India | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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    Maldives signs China military pact in further shift away from India

    Posted 06 Mar 2024

    Updated 27 Mar 2024

    2 min read

    • The decision coincides with its president’s announcement that “there will be no Indian military presence in the country.” 

     

    • Growing Presence of China in Maldives
      • China has increasingly expanded its footprint in Maldives. 
        • A Chinese firm acquired an islet named Feydhoo Finolhu on a 50-year lease. 
        • Investment in large-scale infrastructure projects. E.g.  $200 million China-Maldives Friendship Bridge.
        • The Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 is permitted to dock at Male port. 

     

    • Concerns for India
      • India’s Security: Chinese presence in Maldives could affect Indian security, given the island chain’s proximity to India’s western coast.
      • Regional Balance of Power: China's increasing presence in the area could alter the regional balance of power and challenge India's influence.
        • China has set up a military base in Djibouti and has developed several dual-use ports in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, etc.
      • Strategic Competition: The Indian Ocean is strategically significant, for both India and China. China’s growing influence can further the strategic competition.
      • China’s String of Pearls: This strategy involves establishing a network of naval bases and infrastructure in the Indian Ocean, encircling India.

     

    Steps taken by India to counter Chinese Influence

    • Strategic Partnerships: With like-minded countries, including the United States, Japan, Australia, and other regional partners.
    • Multilateral Engagement: Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
    • Diplomatic Outreach: To voice concerns about China's expanding influence.
    • Tags :
    • String of Pearls
    • Balance of Power
    • Maldives
    • Indian Ocean
    • IORA
    • IONS
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