In New Delhi, the assertion on the significance of the “tranquility and safety” of the Indian Ocean resonated from Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer on Thursday, underscoring its relevance not only for the immediate vicinity but also for India. Zameer explicitly stated that their administration has withheld authorization for the entry of a Chinese maritime exploration vessel into Maldivian waters for investigative purposes.
This declaration arose amidst the return of the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 to Maldivian waters, marking its second voyage to the archipelago within a brief span of two months.
“The maintenance of peace and security within the Indian Ocean holds paramount importance for both India and the Maldives, as well as for Sri Lanka and other regional stakeholders. Consequently, collaborative efforts persist, as previously indicated,” articulated Zameer.
Expanding on the docking permissions granted to Chinese vessels, he elaborated, “Our government issued authorizations for personnel rotation and granted amiable port calls, accompanied by diplomatic approvals from the Chinese authorities, a customary practice within the Maldivian jurisdiction.” “Thus, the scenario unfolded; our nation, committed to tranquility, extends hospitality to vessels engaged in peaceful pursuits. However, the authorization for research activities within Maldivian waters was not extended to the Chinese vessel,” reiterated Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, affirming the nation’s stance against research vessels operating within its maritime domain.
On the 27th of April, the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 re-entered Maldivian waters, marking its second voyage to the archipelago within two months, following the electoral victory of the Pro-China People’s National Congress (PNC), led by President Mohamed Muizzu, as reported by Adhadhu news on Friday. It is noteworthy that Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon, in a parliamentary session last month, explicitly stated that the Chinese vessel had not been granted permission to conduct research activities despite its presence in close proximity to Maldivian waters.
“No authorization had been granted for research operations within Maldivian territorial waters. Following its docking in Male’ and the procurement of provisions, a crew rotation took place. Individuals arriving by aircraft embarked on the vessel, while those aboard the vessel departed via aircraft. This constituted the extent of the permissions granted,” Ghassan conveyed, as quoted by Adhadhu on March 25.
Tensions between India and the Maldives have escalated since President Muizzu assumed office in November, with a discernible shift in the government’s allegiance towards China, coupled with the request for the withdrawal of approximately 80 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives.