India's Projects in Maldives Gain Pace, Despite Strained Security Ties

Despite strained ties due to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's call for Indian troops to leave, India has intensified its development assistance to the Maldives, allocating nearly 7.71 billion rupees ($93 million) in the current fiscal year, almost double the budgeted 4 billion. The diplomatic shift in the Maldives towards China hasn't halted India's development cooperation. India attributes the accelerated pace of projects to increased allocations this fiscal year. Projects include a $500-million initiative for roads and bridges around Male, and two airports valued at nearly $130 million each in remote islands. While Muizzu visited Beijing, his visit to India is pending. Both nations agreed to replace Indian troops by May, emphasizing their humanitarian role. Indian budget documents indicate a significant surge in spending, from 1.83 billion rupees in fiscal 2022-23 to 7.71 billion this year. Despite the growing engagement with China, allowing a Chinese research vessel, India remains wary of extra-regional powers impacting Indian Ocean security, emphasizing the importance of its strategic interests in the region.

 मालदीव में भारत के परियोजनाएँ तेजी से बढ़ रही हैं, सुरक्षा संबंधों के बावजूद।