Maldives’ $37-Million Deal with Turkey for Military Drones Marks Strategic Shift

Maldives' $37-Million Deal with Turkey for Military Drones Marks Strategic Shift

VoM News Desk | January 18, 2024 | 12:11 PM IST | Maldives, Turkey, World | Follow on Google News

Maldives’ $37-Million Deal with Turkey for Military Drones Marks Strategic Shift

Maldives’ $37-Million Deal with Turkey for Military Drones Marks Strategic Shift

The Maldives government has signed a $37-million deal with a Turkish firm for the procurement of military drones, signaling a shift in the country’s strategic alliances. The move deviates from the Maldives’ past dependence on India for high seas patrolling. President Mohamed Muizzu, who assumed power in November 2023, has been exploring alternative alliances. The funding for the drones comes from the Maldives’ state contingency budget, highlighting Turkey’s rising prominence as a drone exporter. This procurement reflects President Muizzu’s emphasis on asserting the Maldives’ sovereignty over its exclusive economic zone and may impact regional diplomatic relationships and the geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean. The deal is expected to be concluded within this year.

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