"Maldives' Shifting Alliances: Navigating Relations with India and China"

The Maldives and China have upgraded their relationship to a "comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership" during President Mohamed Muizzu's state visit to Beijing, with China pledging further investment in the Indian Ocean archipelago. Muizzu, who won on an "India Out" campaign platform, has expressed gratitude for China's role in the Maldives' economic success and infrastructure development, despite the country's heavy indebtedness to Beijing. The move signals a pivot from India and comes amid strained relations between India and China, with China aiming to increase its influence in the region where India has seen other neighbors gravitate towards China.