Maldives signs $37mn drone deal with Turkiye, seeks to replace India's presence: report

In a move that signifies Maldives' strategic shift away from India, President Mohamed Muizzu-led government has signed a $37 million drone deal with Turkiye to patrol its high seas—a task that was previously undertaken by New Delhi in partnership with Male.

Maldivian media Adhadhu reported quoting government sources that under the deal, the Turkish military would supply Bayraktar TB2 drones, which are currently being used by Ukraine against Russia.

It was further reported that the Maldives Finance Ministry has already released part of the payment to the MNDF.

Male will reportedly pay Ankara in installments over 2024 by tapping into its 'contingency' reserve.

It comes days after Muizzu's visit to Beijing during which he, without referring to India, said that Maldives is not located in the backyard of any country.

"Even though our islands are small, we are a huge country with a very large exclusive economic zone of nine lakh square kilometers. Maldives is one country that holds the largest proportion of this ocean. This ocean is not the property of a specific country," he said while speaking to reporters at the Velana International Airport (VIA) on January 13.

"We have begun the work to build our power and our capacity to do continuous surveillance of the nine lakh square kilometer exclusive economic zone. Hopefully, soon we will establish our capacity to manage this vast area," he added.

After concluding his visit, Muizza, who is perceived to be pro-China, in a statement asked the Indian troops to leave Maldives territory by March 15.

The Indian contingent is currently in the Maldives for the operation and maintenance of two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft.

(With inputs from agencies)

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