Gov’t Will Not Renew Hydrography Agreement with India, Says Firzul

The current administration has formally notified India of its decision not to renew the hydrography agreement signed by the previous government which allowed India access to study and chart the seabed of the island nation.

Under Secretary for Public Policy Mohamed Firzul Abdulla Khaleel announced the decision at a press conference held by the President’s Office, stating that the agreement requires a six-month notice.

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According to Haleel, the notice has been given, and the agreement is set to conclude on June 24, 2024. The hydrography agreement, inked on June 8, 2019, aimed to identify the characteristics of Maldives’ seas and marine life. 

Additionally, it established a dedicated office and facilities for hydrography within the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

Indian navy vessels conducted surveys in various regions of Maldives last year, collecting data on reefs and lagoons, charting coastlines, and installing tide poles to study ocean currents and tide levels.

In return for the hydrographic data, Maldives receives a 25% royalty from each hydrographic chart sold internationally and a 35% royalty if sold within the country.

The decision to terminate the agreement comes after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who won the September presidential election, pledged to remove the Indian military presence of approximately 77 personnel. 

The new government, inaugurated on November 17, has formally requested India to withdraw its troops, with President Muizzu stating that India has agreed to the troop withdrawal.