After Asking Indian Troops To Withdraw, Maldives Signs Defence Agreement With China For Free Military Assistance

The Maldives and China have signed a defence cooperation agreement, with China offering military assistance at no cost, to strengthen bilateral ties.

This agreement follows Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's recent deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from the country, as per a report by NDTV.

Maldivian Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon met with Major General Zhang Baoqun of China's Office for International Military Cooperation to discuss enhancing defence cooperation.

The details of the agreement were not disclosed.

The visit of the Chinese military delegation comes after the Maldives allowed the hi-tech Chinese research ship Xiang Yang Hong 03 to make a port call for personnel rotation and replenishment.

The Maldives has confirmed that its first civilian team of technical experts has reached the country to replace Indian military personnel operating an advanced light helicopter.

President Muizzu, viewed as pro-China, has set 10 March as the deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel.

India will replace all its military personnel in two phases by 10 May, according to the Maldivian foreign ministry.

The Maldives is reviewing more than 100 bilateral agreements signed with India by previous governments, and its strategic location in the Indian Ocean Region adds to its significance.

Also read: Why The Doom And Gloom Over Maldives' Shift Towards China Is Unnecessary