In a development that may worsen relation between India and Maldives, Male has declined New Delhi's invitation for Milan naval exercise.

Confirming that Maldives will stay away from Milan exercise, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba today said that Male did not give any reason for the decision.

The biennial exercise starts on March 6 in the Indian Ocean. Fifteen other countries have accepted the invitation and are sending their fleet to participate in the joint exercise with the Indian Navy.

The decision by Maldives has come at a time when there are concerns that China may be interfering with the affairs of the trouble-torn island nation. Maldivian President Abdullah Yameen has imposed an emergency in the country which he recently extended by another 15 days.

President Yameen is seen a pro-China leader with Beijing promising huge investment on the archipelago. On the other hand, the opposition leaders including former President Mohamed Nasheed have urged India to intervene militarily to rescue the country from chaos.

MILAN NAVAL EXERCISE

India will host navies from 16 countries for an eight-day mega naval exercise with an aim to expand regional cooperation and combat unlawful activities in critical sea lanes.

The biennial exercise 'Milan' is being organised at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the backdrop of China's growing military posturing in the Indo-Pacific region. The issue is likely to figure during deliberations among navy chiefs of the participating countries at the event.

The countries, besides India, participating in the exercise are Australia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, New Zealand, Oman, Vietnam, Thailand, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya and Cambodia.

'Milan' was first held in 1995 with the participation of just five navies. The aim of the initiative was to have an effective forum to discuss common concerns in the Indian Ocean Region and forge deeper cooperation among friendly navies.



(With PTI inputs)

WATCH | Murky politics of Maldives: Trouble in island paradise