Maldives not to renew survey pact with India

According to Kashmir Media Service, Maldives and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of hydrography in 2019, during a visit to Malé by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India has been conducting a hydrographic survey of the Maldivian territorial waters under the agreement, which includes studying and charting reefs, lagoons, coastlines and tide levels. However, it is not clear if the Indian Navy will continue to conduct hydrographic surveys because the agreement expires in June next year.

The denial of hydrographic surveys is part of plans of the new government under President Mohamed Muizzu to wean itself from dependency on India in security matters.

The announcement was made by an official from the President’s Office Mohamed Firuzul Abdul Khaleel who was detailing the Government’s adherence to “Haftha 14” or the pledge to accomplish certain tasks in the first 100 days of taking power.

Maldives will also start the process of repealing provisions on “secret bilateral agreements” signed by the previous government.