- India-Maldives relations strained under President Mohammed Muizzu’s leadership.
- Secret agreements signed between Maldives and China, leading to concerns and speculation.
- Maldives government reveals some details of agreements, focusing on economic development, digital economy, Belt and Road Initiative, and green development cooperation.
Since Mohammed Muizzu took office in the Maldives, things between India and the Maldives have been worse. Muizzu hasn’t been shy about criticizing India, even during the presidential elections.
After winning, he quickly turned towards China, making it his first stop as president, which was a big departure from the past. During his visit, a bunch of important deals were made between the two countries.
There’s been a lot of talk about some secret agreements between the Maldives and China. Muizzu’s government is keeping tight-lipped about them, raising suspicions. According to reports from Adhaadhoo.com, Maldives’ Economic Development Minister Mohammad Sayeed has signed four major agreements, but when asked about them, the ministry refused to give any details under the Right to Information Act.
Both countries are being dodgy about answering questions. China isn’t being forthcoming either. Muizzu went to China from the 8th to the 12th of January, and during that time, they apparently signed 20 agreements, but China isn’t sharing any information about them. The Maldives government is also staying mum.
After China said they won’t share the details, the Maldives government finally revealed some info about a few agreements.
According to media reports, these secret deals cover cooperation in economic development policies, boosting the digital economy, pushing forward the Belt and Road Initiative, and collaborating on green development investments.