News Brief
Muizzu's Severing Spree Continues: Maldives To Conduct Independent Hydrographic Surveys, Ends Agreement With India
File photo of Maldives' President Mohamed Muizzu.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the country will not renew an agreement with India for hydrographic surveys and instead plans to acquire the necessary facilities and equipment to conduct the surveys independently.
He also revealed plans to establish a 24X7 monitoring system for Maldivian waters to ensure control of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as per a report by NDTV.
The decision comes in the wake of a recent defence cooperation agreement between China and the Maldives, which has strained ties between India and the Maldives since President Muizzu took office last year.
The announcement also follows the presence of a Chinese research and 'spy' vessel around Male and just outside Maldives' EEZ.
President Muizzu stated that the Maldives Ministry of Defence is working to obtain the facilities required for hydrographic surveys, allowing the country to conduct underwater surveys and prepare charts independently.
He further emphasised that all underwater details are the Maldives' property and heritage.
Previously, the Maldives had signed an agreement with the Indian government to conduct hydrographic surveys, but President Muizzu's administration has decided not to renew this agreement.
The president also announced plans to review more than 100 agreements signed with India by previous administrations.
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