India has opened a new naval base near Maldives amid Male's moves to establish closer ties with China.

The latest development came just days after the Maldivian defense ministry announced that it had signed an agreement with Beijing which will see the country receive Chinese military assistance.

The Indian navy says its base is on Minicoy Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago, north of Maldives.
India's navy chief says the base will strengthen his country's maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Since taking office last year, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has adopted an increasingly pro-China stance.
He maintains that military cooperation with India was undermining the sovereignty of his country.

Earlier this week, local media reported that Muizzu had announced that Indian military personnel would no longer be welcome in the country after May 10.

Several dozen Indian military personnel have been stationed in Maldives to provide humanitarian and medical evacuation services to local residents.

The island country is strategically located in the middle of sea lanes and plays a vital role in regional dynamics.
Both India and China have been vying to expand their influence over the nation.