Maldives

This decision coincides with President Muizzu's 15 March deadline for 77 Indian military personnel to depart from the island nation. Muizzu, who assumed power in September, had campaigned on an 'India out' platform and anti-India rhetoric.

Following a high-profile state visit to China, President Muizzu emphasized the pivotal role of China's Belt and Road Initiative in elevating bilateral relations to new heights. In an interview with China's CGTN channel, he affirmed that China's non-interference policy in the Maldives' internal affairs solidifies the strong relationship between the two nations.

Ibrahim Khaleel, the Minister at the President's Office for Strategic Communications, stated that the group was focused on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel and expediting India-backed development projects in the Maldives.

He also emphasized that the Indian Ocean doesn't belong to any specific country and claimed that Maldives has one of the largest shares due to its extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The MDP, led by pro-India former president Mohammad Solih, faced a defeat by Muizzu, a pro-China leader, in the presidential elections. Adam Azim's win is considered a substantial triumph, with reports describing it as a victory by a large margin.

Muizzu, perceived as pro-China, has been entangled in a row with India over derogatory remarks made by Maldivian ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The meeting culminated in the announcement of an elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, underscoring the depth and significance of their collaboration.

While the details of the talks were not disclosed, Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, is expected to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and other senior officials during his visit.

The European Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to the Maldives conducted an 11-week observation and found that the PPM-PNC campaign utilized derogatory language directed at the president and included anti-Indian sentiments, expressing concerns about Indian influences and the presence of Indian military personnel in the country. The EU EOM noted multiple instances of online disinformation related to this theme.

Addressing the Maldives Business Forum in Fujian Province, Muizzu emphasized the strong alliance between the Maldives and China, considering China as the island nation's "closest" ally.