New Delhi, In a significant shift in foreign policy, the new government in Malé, Maldives, has chosen not to renew a key agreement with India for conducting hydrographic surveys in its territorial waters. This decision marks a change in the Maldives’ approach to its security and foreign relations.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in hydrography was signed between the Maldives and India in 2019, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Malé. Under this agreement, India has been conducting hydrographic surveys in the Maldives, which involves the study and charting of reefs, lagoons, coastlines, and tide levels. With the agreement set to expire in June next year, it remains unclear if the Indian Navy will be able to continue these activities.

The move to not renew the hydrographic surveys is in line with the strategies of the new government under President Mohamed Muizzu, which aims to reduce dependency on India for security matters. This decision reflects a broader policy shift towards greater independence in international relations.

The announcement was made by Mohamed Firuzul Abdul Khaleel, an official from the President’s Office, as part of the government’s commitment to “Haftha 14,” a pledge to achieve specific goals within the first 100 days of taking office.

In addition to the hydrographic survey agreement, the Maldivian government also plans to repeal provisions regarding “secret bilateral agreements” signed by the previous administration. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reevaluate and potentially reshape the country’s foreign and security policies.

The decision by the Maldives to end the hydrographic survey agreement with India and to scrutinize previous bilateral agreements signals a notable shift in the island nation’s approach to its foreign affairs and strategic alliances.