President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives, inaugurated in November 2023, has adopted a pro-China stance, advocating for the removal of Indian troops and fostering closer ties with Beijing.
This shift includes permitting a Chinese military research vessel to dock, signaling China's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean. China's increasing activity in the region encompasses nautical charting for submarine deployment and collaboration with neighbouring nations like Sri Lanka and Nepal. China's strategy involves infrastructure development, arms exports, and military deployments to secure alternative energy routes while capitalising on regional power vacuums.
This expansion poses challenges for the Quad, underscoring the importance of India's naval capabilities in countering China's maritime influence. Strengthening India's anti-submarine capabilities and fostering cooperation within the Quad are essential responses to China's growing presence in the Indian Ocean.