India's 771 Crore Boosts Development Aid to Maldives Amidst Changing Alliances

Defense News ,India :- India has increased its support for development projects in the Maldives, even as tensions have risen due to the new Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's request for Indian troops to leave the country.

Amidst the competition for influence in the Indo-Pacific region, both India and China are vying for the favor of the Maldives. Historically close to India, the Maldives has recently shifted towards China under Muizzu's leadership. Despite strained relations, New Delhi has spent nearly 771 crore rupees, almost double its budgeted 400 crores, on Maldivian projects in the current fiscal year ending in March.

Muizzu took office in October, pledging to end the country's "India First" policy and remove nearly 80 Indian troops. Despite this, the development cooperation between India and the Maldives has continued at an accelerated pace, driven by increased allocations from India this fiscal year.

An official, speaking anonymously, mentioned that the development projects, including a ? 50-crore initiative for roads and bridges in Male, and two airports worth nearly ? 13 crores each in the distant islands, are progressing swiftly.

Muizzu recently visited Beijing, but a visit to India is yet to occur. Both countries have agreed to replace the troops by May. India emphasizes its assistance in humanitarian aid and medical evacuations using the provided aircraft.

The Union budget documents from February 1 reveal that India's spending in the Maldives has increased from ? 183 crores in fiscal 2022-23 to ? 771 crores this year, making it the second-highest after Bhutan, where India spent ? 2,400 crores.

Despite India's continued support, the Maldives has strengthened its ties with Beijing, allowing a Chinese research vessel to dock at its port. This move raises concerns for New Delhi, as information gathered by such ships could be used by China's military in the region.

An official emphasized that the presence of extra-regional powers impacting the security of the Indian Ocean region, particularly China, is a red line for India.