Vantage | What a Chinese 'spy' ship in Maldives waters means for India

In a surprising turn of events, the Maldives finds itself at the centre of rising diplomatic tensions as it hosts the Chinese research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 03. This move comes on the heels of the Maldivian president’s recent confrontation with India, raising questions about the motives behind such decisions and the potential implications for regional stability.

Confirmed by Malé authorities, the Xiang Yang Hong 03 is expected to reach the Maldives around 8 February. While the Maldivian government insists that the vessel’s purpose is merely a port call for personnel rotation and replenishment, concerns linger about the timing of this visit, especially given recent hostilities with India. Dual-use nature of research vessels Notably, vessels like the Xiang Yang Hong 03 are known for their dual-use capabilities, serving both research and potentially espionage purposes. With powerful surveillance gadgets and radars on board, there is skepticism surrounding the vessel’s intended activities in Maldivian waters, echoing past objections from India and the United States to similar voyages. The Indian Navy is reportedly tracking the Xiang Yang Hong 03, well aware of its voyage to the Maldives. India’s objection to the same vessel docking in Sri Lanka in the past raises concerns about the political response to its presence in Malé. The situation remains uncertain, with the question of what happens next looming over the diplomatic landscape. Drawing parallels with previous incidents in Sri Lanka, where similar vessels faced objections from India, it has not gone unnoticed the decision by the Maldivian government to cancel a hydrography pact with India. This coupled with the vessel’s arrival, raises genuine concerns about the trajectory of diplomatic relations in the region. As the Maldives grapples with the arrival of the Xiang Yang Hong 03 and its recent decisions in international partnerships, the maturity exhibited by Sri Lanka in balancing relationships came at a cost, emphasizing the need for the Maldivian leadership to carefully navigate the current situation to avoid potential political and economic crises. The international community watches closely as the Maldives faces the challenge of striking a delicate balance in its diplomatic engagements. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.