Why in News ?
While Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu was in India, committing to expanding “close and historic” ties, a parliamentary committee back home announced a review of three agreements, which Muizzu’s predecessor and pro-India leader Ibrahim Solih had signed with India, because these allegedly violated the sovereignty of the Maldives.
What are the Three Agreements ?
The three agreements include an agreement for hydrographic surveys, another for building the Uthuru Thilafalhu dockyard being built with grant assistance from India and yet another for the Dornier aircraft gifted by India to Maldives defence forces for humanitarian, search and rescue operations.
Hydrographic survey agreement
In December of the previous year, President Muizzu’s administration decided not to renew the hydrographic survey agreement with India, which expired on June 7, 2024.
During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the Maldives on June 8, 2019, a significant hydrographic survey agreement was signed, allowing India to conduct comprehensive surveys of the Maldives’ territorial waters. This included its reefs, lagoons, coastlines, ocean currents, and tidal levels.
Hydrographic surveys, conducted by ships equipped with tools like sonar, investigate various aspects of water bodies. According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, these surveys map water depth, seafloor and coastline shapes, potential obstructions, and other physical features, ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime traffic.
The primary objective was to update Navigational Charts/ Electronic Navigational Charts, benefiting various industries such as tourism, fishing, and agriculture by providing precise and current maritime information.
Uthuru Thila Falhu Dockyard project
In February 2021, India and the Maldives agreed to develop a coastguard harbour and dockyard at the Uthuru Thila Falhu naval base. The agreement was signed by Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, under a defence action plan established in 2016 by then-Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom during his visit to India.
The agreement includes the construction of the harbour and dockyard, along with essential infrastructure development. India is also tasked with enhancing communications resources, radar services, and training support.Despite these developments, the Maldives National Defence Force clarified that no Indian military personnel would be stationed at the base.
Dornier Maritime Surveillance aircraft
In September 2020, the Maldives received a Dornier Maritime Surveillance aircraft from the Indian Navy, hailed as a ‘colossal milestone’ in the defence ties between the two countries.
The aircraft was intended to assist in maritime and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surveillance, humanitarian assistance, disaster, and medical relief. It was also meant to help the Maldives in the northern atolls and identify foreign vessels. However, the aircraft currently lies idle in the archipelago, with no trained personnel in the country to operate it.
Today’s News :
Today, the National Security Services Committee of the parliament has decided to conduct a parliamentary inquiry to investigate actions undertaken by President Solih’s administration that undermined the sovereignty and independence of the Maldives,” said central Hithadhoo constituency’s MP Ahmed Azaan, according to reports in Maldivian media.
He proposed to commence a parliamentary inquiry alleging that the previous govt’s actions affected the country’s independence and sovereignty.