• UGI USER
  • Jan 25, 2024
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MALDIVES CLARIFIES CHINESE VESSEL’S VISIT

Why in the News?

  • Concerns arose in India due to reports of the Chinese vessel heading to the Maldives, particularly after Sri Lanka imposed a one-year moratorium on foreign research vessels, responding to Indian apprehensions about Chinese visits.
  • Maldives said; The Chinese research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 03, will not conduct research in Maldivian waters.

Key fact about India & Maldives

  • Defence Collaboration: 

Joint Exercises include “Ekuverin,” “Dosti,” “Ekatha,” and “Operation Shield” initiated in 2021.

  • Strategic Geography:

The Maldives, acting as a vital “toll gate,” is positioned between the key chokepoints of the Strait of Malacca and the Gulf of Aden in the western Indian Ocean.

Source: India Map
  • Geographical Dividing Line:

The Indian Minicoy, part of Lakshadweep Islands, is separated from the Maldives by the Eight Degree Channel.