Indians amid controversy over Chinese research vessel
New Delhi, February 6, 2024: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives on Tuesday closed access to its website for Indians amid the expected arrival of a Chinese research vessel, Jiang Yang Hong 03, in the Maldives. The development comes amid tensions in India-Maldives relations, which are at an all-time low following the election of Mohammed Muizzu as president of the island nation.
New Delhi is closely monitoring the movements of Jiang Yang Hong 03, which is passing around the coast of Indonesia and is expected to reach Male by February 8. According to reports, the ship is expected to conduct an ocean survey operation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Jiang Yang Hong 03 is considered to be China’s spy ship. According to a report by NDTV, the ship provides data regarding the possibility of natural disasters and helps in reducing it.
This development comes a few days after Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu visited China. Both countries have decided to deepen cooperation for peace and stability at the regional and global levels. Mohammed Muizzu’s visit to China comes amid a diplomatic row with India over derogatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Maldivian ministers.
Maldives and China during the meeting signed the Action Plan to Build a China-Maldives Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership (2024-2028) and strengthen cooperation on Belt and Road, economic and technological, blue economy, digital economy, green development, infrastructure construction Signed other documents related to. , and support for people’s livelihood.
The move to close down the Maldives Foreign Ministry website for Indians has further increased tensions in India-Maldives relations. The move shows that the Maldives is willing to risk damaging its ties with India, even if it means aligning itself more closely with China.
