After troop removal demand, Maldives says ending pact with India on water survey
- Maldives President decides not to renew the hydrography agreement with India.
Key Points
- Agreement, signed in 2019, allowed India to conduct a hydrographic survey of Maldivian waters, studying reefs, lagoons, coastlines, ocean currents, and tide levels.
Notification to India
- India was informed of Maldives' decision not to proceed with the hydrography agreement.
- Decision seen as part of Muizzu's policy shift, focusing on improving Maldivian military capabilities for survey operations.
- Future hydrography works to be carried out under 100% Maldivian management with only Maldivians privy to the information.
Shift in Foreign Policy
- Muizzu's government shifts from the 'India First' policy, choosing Turkey as the first foreign destination.
- Previous Maldivian Presidents traditionally chose India as their first foreign stop after entering office.
Indian Military Presence
- The Maldives has two helicopters and an aircraft provided by India for emergency evacuations and disaster relief.
- 77 Indian military personnel operate these platforms in the Maldives.
Prelims Takeaway
- hydrography agreement