Chinese Research Vessel’s Visit to Maldives Raises Concerns in India’s Strategic Community
Amidst growing alarm in India’s strategic community, the impending arrival of a Chinese research vessel to the Maldives has sparked controversy. While the vessel is officially designated as a research ship aimed at mapping the Indian Ocean floor, Indian officials suspect it to be a spy ship. Sri Lanka has denied docking permission to the Chinese vessel, but the Maldives has welcomed it despite objections from India.
This development comes as the newly elected administration in Malé, which has a clear anti-India stance, warms up to Beijing while distancing itself from New Delhi. The Maldives even urged India to withdraw its troops from the island nation. Mint provides insights into why India is dissatisfied with the Chinese vessel’s voyage through the Indian Ocean to the Maldives.
What is Happening?
News emerged on Monday regarding the upcoming visit of the Chinese research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 3, to the Maldives in the following weeks. The vessel had initially sought permission to dock in Sri Lanka, but this request was denied. Multiple reports indicate that the Indian government is aware of the vessel’s movements and is closely monitoring it.
India’s Concerns
India’s concerns revolve around the implications of the Chinese vessel’s visit. The Indian government worries that it could be a cover for espionage activities or an indication of increased Chinese military presence in the Indian Ocean. Such developments could potentially tilt the balance of power in the region.
China-Maldives Relationship
During former Maldives president Ibrahim Solih’s tenure, there was limited military cooperation with China. However, the current president, Mohamed Muizzu, has been actively working to strengthen ties with Beijing. China was the destination of Muizzu’s first official visit as president, and a series of agreements were signed. While this suggests a warming relationship, Muizzu’s government has not mentioned reviving a proposal for a joint observation facility, indicating a desire to maintain a balance between India and China’s influence in the region.
India’s Likely Reaction
Although India has yet to officially comment on this latest development, it is unlikely to view it favorably. Muizzu’s administration has allowed an agreement on hydrographic cooperation with India’s military to lapse and has requested the departure of Indian military personnel from the country. The Chinese vessel’s visit to the Maldives will further strain the already tense relations between India and China. Similar visits by Chinese vessels to Sri Lanka in the past have also elicited negative reactions from India.
In conclusion, the Chinese research vessel’s impending visit to the Maldives has raised concerns within India’s strategic community. It reflects the complex dynamics between India and China, as well as the evolving relationship between the Maldives and these two regional powers.
The impending visit of a Chinese research vessel to the Maldives has raised concerns in India’s strategic community. Indian officials view the vessel as a potential spy ship, while Sri Lanka denied permission for it to dock. However, the Maldives has welcomed the vessel despite India’s objections. This comes as the new administration in Malé, which has an anti-India stance, seeks closer ties with Beijing. The visit could lead to increased Chinese military presence in the Indian Ocean and further strain relations between India and the Maldives. India’s reaction to this development is yet to be seen.
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