Maldives Signs Military Assistance Deal with China, Indian Troops Begin Withdrawal

The Maldives' new China-friendly president seeks to reduce dependence on India, signaling a potential shift in regional power dynamics.

The Maldives signed a military assistance agreement with China, aiming to foster stronger bilateral ties and reduce reliance on India.
Indian military personnel have started withdrawing from the Maldives following the new president's request, amid growing concerns over China's influence in the Indian Ocean.
The U.S. State Department is tracking Beijing's military pact with the Maldives, highlighting the island nation's strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific strategy.
China's military delegation visited the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal to discuss defense cooperation, underscoring Beijing's efforts to assert its influence in South Asia.
The Maldives' pivot towards China comes as the country seeks to diversify its security cooperation partnerships, amidst heightened strategic competition between major powers.