Amid increasing Chinese influence in Maldives, India has assured the archipelago nation that New Delhi will remain its net security provider.
The assurance was given during a meeting held between visiting Maldivian Defence and National Security Minister Adam Shareef and his Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday evening. The two sides also decided to deepen their defence cooperation, defence sources said.
"We have told them that we will continue to be their net security provider besides helping them in other areas like health, education among others," the sources said.
The development comes at a time when the Chinese are increasing their footprints in the Maldives.