Chinese Research Vessel’s Return To Maldives Raises Eyebrows Amidst Political Shifts

India is “watchful” of the presence of a Chinese vessel in the Maldives and taking “appropriate measures” to safeguard its national and economic security, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

“As these developments are concerned especially in our neighbourhood and beyond. All these developments which have an impact on our national security, on our economic security, we are watchful of them and we take whatever appropriate measures that are taken to safeguard it,” MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a press briefing.

“These are developments on which we keep our close eye and take measures that are appropriate on our side,” he added.

The return of the Chinese marine research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 to Maldivian waters marks its second visit to the archipelago nation within a span of two months. The vessel was observed docked at the Thilafushi industrial island’s harbor, although the specific reason for its return remains undisclosed by the government. Notably, the government had previously confirmed permission for the ship to dock during its initial visit.

Following the vessel’s first visit in February, Maldivian Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon informed the Maldivian Parliament that despite sailing within and near Maldivian waters, the Chinese vessel would not conduct any research. “There was no permission given to conduct any research in the Maldives territory. After docking in Male’ and buying food, they did a crew change. People who came on an airplane went onboard the boat and those on the boat left via the airplane. That was the permission that was given,” Ghassan stated on March 25.

The Chinese vessel’s docking in the Maldives coincided with the victory of Pro-China Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), which secured a supermajority in the Maldivian Parliament, winning 60 seats in the parliamentary elections.

Tensions between India and the Maldives have been apparent since President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office. Despite this, India has maintained a soft diplomatic stance towards the Maldives and continued its bilateral relations with the archipelagic nation. India has even bolstered its development assistance to the Maldives, investing nearly Rs 771 crore, almost double the budgeted amount, in various initiatives.

President Mohamed Muizzu’s demand for Indian troops to leave the country heightened tensions between the two nations. However, India has persisted with its development projects in the Maldives, demonstrating its commitment to the nation’s growth and development despite strained ties. This concerted effort underscores India’s enduring support for the Maldives, even amidst geopolitical complexities and shifting alliances in the region.

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