In a significant development that may raise eyebrows in India, the Maldives has entered into a new agreement with China’s South China Sea Institute of Oceanography. Signed on February 19, 2025, this deal permits Chinese marine research vessels to access Maldivian waters. On the surface, it seems like an effort to promote environmental research, but there’s growing concern that it may serve more than just scientific purposes.
Indian officials are particularly wary of this move as they’ve been increasingly cautious of China’s influence in the Indian Ocean. Though the Maldivian president, Mohamed Muizzu, assures his nation about their marine resource rights, many worry about the lack of transparency surrounding these agreements. A local news outlet, Raajje.mv, emphasizes the need for clarity, as the government had pledged transparency during Muizzu’s election campaign.
India has been especially vocal about the entry of Chinese vessels in the region, viewing it as a challenge to its influence. Recently, reports have surfaced suggesting discussions between the Maldivian government and China regarding fish aggregating devices (FADs) to be placed on local fishing vessels. These devices would collect data about ocean conditions and fish movement, but there are fears they might also be used for surveillance.
The heart of India’s concern lies in the dual-use nature of these research activities. Although they are framed as civilian projects, the data collected could have military applications. For instance, information about seabed mapping could enhance China’s naval capabilities, a prospect that alarms India.
Moreover, the reestablishment of relations between India and the Maldives has been a rocky road. Following Muizzu’s election in November 2023, there were tensions linked to his overtures toward China, including calls for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. However, despite strained relations, both countries have recognized the necessity of cooperation, evidenced by India’s financial support to the Maldives to stabilize its economy.
Anand Kumar, an expert from the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies, remarks that although Muizzu appeared to soften his stance toward India under economic pressure, his affiliations with China remain unchanged. He suggests that the agreement allowing Chinese research vessels access might force the Maldives into a position that undermines its own strategic interests.
As new dynamics unfold in the Indian Ocean, the question of who controls the waters will be pivotal for regional security. The actions taken by the Maldives could redefine alliances and influence naval strategies in a part of the world where naval power is increasingly important. For now, eyes are on how this situation develops and what it means for the future of Indo-Maldivian relations.
For further insights into regional security dynamics, refer to the latest reports from sources like The Diplomat and the Observer Research Foundation.
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Source linkMALDIVES INDIA, RESEARCH VESSELS, INDIAN OCEAN REGION, CHINESE MARINE RESEARCH, MALDIVES CHINESE VESSELS, MALDIVES GRANTS ENTRY TO CHINESE RESEARCH VESSELS? WHY INDIA WILL BE CONCERNED
