Defense News ,Maldive :- In recent news, the Maldives, led by its pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu, has entered into an agreement with a Turkish company to purchase military drones. These drones will be used to patrol the country's exclusive economic zone waters, a task previously undertaken jointly by India and the Maldives. The deal, worth $37 million, has been funded from the state's contingency budget allocated to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
This development follows the Maldives' request for India to withdraw its troops stationed in the country by March 15. India has maintained a military presence in the Maldives, operating radar stations and surveillance aircraft, including the Dornier plane and two Dhruv helicopters gifted over the past decade.
Historically, India had a positive relationship with the Maldives during the presidencies of Mohamed Nasheed (2008-2013) and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (2018-2023). However, under President Muizzu, who came to power in November 2023 with an 'India-out' campaign, relations have strained. Muizzu's recent visits to Turkey and China, especially the five-day visit to China, have raised eyebrows, as traditionally, Maldivian leaders visited India before Beijing.
The relationship soured further when three Maldivian deputy ministers made derogatory remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his visit to the Lakshadweep islands earlier this month.
The Maldives, strategically located between India and China, has been a battleground for influence between the two Asian powers. President Muizzu emphasized the Maldives' independent stance, stating that the country is not located in the backyard of any nation. He highlighted the vast exclusive economic zone of nine lakh square kilometers (approximately 900,000 square kilometers) and announced plans to enhance the country's capacity for continuous surveillance of this extensive area.
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