Maldive Scraps Ocean Deal With China
An agreement China signed with the Maldives to build an observatory in the Indian Ocean is likely to be scrapped, after Indian’s relations with Maldives improves.
The former President of Maldives Abdullah Yameen signed a contract with China. They signed a contract to build meteorological ocean observation centre towards the north of maldives. This is information was never made public. After the media leaked the information, the Chinese authorities said that the observatory was not meant for any military purpose. In India though, many saw it as yet another move to ensure strategic encirclement. Many retired navy officials said that they have selected this location to collect data which will help them deploy nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) and nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs). This location is also an important shipping route in the Indian Ocean through which many boats and ships. It is very close to India as well.
This situation has drastically changed after Abdullah Yameen removed from the post of President. PM Narendra Modi recently visited the Maldives. This is the first visit by an Indian PM to Maldives in 8 years. He inaugurated a coastal surveillance radar system and training facility for the Maldivian defence forces. The Maldives owe more than half of it’s external debt to China. During PM Modi’s visit he said that India’s partnership with countries is meant for mutual empowerment. India does not get into partnerships with countries to increase their dependence on India. Since India’s relationship with Maldives is growing stronger, the contract with China will most likely not happen.
