India initiates construction of Maldivies Coast Guard harbour, aims to deter Chinese naval incursions

News Snapshot:

India has started building on the MNDF Coast Guard Harbour and maintenance facility at Sifavaru in the archipelago in an effort to increase bilateral collaboration, particularly in the defence and security sectors. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the cornerstone for this project, India’s largest grant-in-aid undertaking in the Maldives, on Thursday after a three-day visit. According to media reports, the Maldives opposition, led by former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, has been waging a “India out” campaign during the time of Rajnath Singh’s visit. Yameen Abdul, who is regarded as having close ties to the Chinese, is putting pressure on...