New Delhi: Following the predictable path, the new President of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, cosied up to China by undertaking his first state visit there since coming to power. Malé and Beijing signed 20 pacts Wednesday, including cooperation in Chinese President Xi Jinping’s pet project, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), during their first bilateral meeting. In a significant move that might prove to be detrimental for India, Malé and Beijing chalked out plans to establish China-Maldives Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership (2024-2028). This is complete reversal of the ‘India First’ policy that was followed by Muizzu’s predecessor ex-President Ibrahim Solih.

“You are the first foreign head of state I have received this year, and this is also your first state visit to a foreign country since assuming the presidency, which fully reflects the high importance attached by both China and Maldives to the development of bilateral relations,” President Xi told President Muizzu during the delegation-level talks held at the Great Hall of People in Beijing.

President Xi congratulated President Muizzu on his victory in the September elections and said his weeklong visit to China “would mark the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations between China and the Maldives”, said a readout issued by The President’s Office in Maldives after the bilateral meeting Wednesday.

“During the talks, President Dr Muizzu expressed gratitude for China’s significant role in the Maldives’ economic success and for China’s generous assistance in social housing, higher education, and infrastructure development of the Maldives. He additionally explored avenues for expanding tourism cooperation and air connectivity between the two countries,” said the readout.

Both leaders also discussed boosting the free trade agreement signed between both the countries by increasing the export of fish products from Maldives to China. Muizzu’s China visit will conclude on January 12.

“The FTA’s aim to boost bilateral trade and investments, especially increasing our export of fish products to China is a key priority for us through the FTA. My government is committed to ensuring quick implementation of the agreement,” Muizzu told Chinese investors Tuesday during a business forum.

Both sides have also signed a $50 million deal for a gigantic project named Commercial Spine Project that is to be developed in Hulhumale over a massive 290,000 square feet area. It is touted to be the biggest ever commercial project.

The 20 pacts signed during the visit include Jointly Accelerating the Formulation of the Cooperation Plan on the Belt and Road Initiative, MoU on Exchange and Cooperation in the Field of Economic Development Policy, Action Plan on Building a China-Maldives Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership (2024-2028) and an MoU on tourism cooperation.

Also Read: Will New Maldives President Muizzu Be Able To Move Away From ‘India First’ Policy? Not Really

‘China One Of The Closest Allies’

Addressing an investors’ meet in China Tuesday, Muizzu said China remains “one of the closest allies and developmental partners” of Maldives.

“The relationship between Maldives and China is one that has a long history, dating back to the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Having established diplomatic relations in 1972, China remains one of our closest allies and development partners. Maldives became an early party to His Excellency President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative in 2014 which has delivered the most significant infrastructure projects witnessed in the Maldivian history,” the Maldivian President said.

Muizzu also said he had appointed a special envoy, who attended the Third Belt and Road Forum held in October of last year.

“The Maldives looks forward to further strengthening the collaboration between our two countries and establishing long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with businesses and provincial governments across China. With the unwavering support of China, we are confident that we can attain and exceed our goals and create a prosperous future for our people,” he said.

During the regime of former President Abdulla Yameen, under the tutelage of whom President Muizzu rose to power, Maldives had incurred Chinese debt to the tune of $2 billion. Muizzu came to power by fanning an anti-India campaign in which he vowed the removal of Indian military personnel from that country.

Meanwhile, the diplomatic row between India and Maldives hardened over the derogatory remarks made by some of the Maldivian officials against Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the latter’s recent trip to Lakshadweep triggered a social media debate over which of the two beach destinations is better. Both sides have summoned their respective envoys as matters turned out of control.

Maldives has also indefinitely suspended the three deputy ministers who made those remarks against Modi on social media. In December 2023, Modi and Muizzu met for the first time, on the margins of the COP28 meeting in Dubai.

India is also involved in some of the big-ticket infrastructure projects in the island nation, especially the ‘Greater Malé Connectivity Project’ (GMCP), touted to be the largest civilian infrastructure project in Maldives, connecting Male with three neighbouring islands — Villingili, Gulhifahu (where a port is being built under Indian assistance) and Thilafushi (new industrial zone) — by construction of a bridge-and-causeway link spanning 6.7 km.

Under defence and security partnership, India provides training to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). Apart from two Dornier aircraft, India has also given Maldives two Advance Light Helicopters.