Guwahati 23 January: Intelligence Researcher Damien Symon said on platform X, “Xiang Yang Hong 03 is entering the Indian Ocean Region, displaying its destination as Maldives, it is expected to run an ocean survey operation in the Indian ocean Region in raising concern in India, said”. This news is also confirmed by the Indian military official.
The vessel is not a military ship. However, it will spark concerns for India and others about the military use of their research. The Indian Navy is closely monitoring the movement of the ship, which is reportedly similar to the one that operated near Sri Lanka and against which India had expressed objections. It is expected to reach the Maldives within a couple of weeks. India has raised concerns about China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean and its influence in Sri Lanka, which is strategically placed halfway along the key east-west international shipping routes.
After Muizzu came to power in November 2023 due to his “India Out” campaign, he visited China, aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries. His Pro China government also asked New Delhi to remove all its 88 military personnel from the Nation by march.