Maldives officials said on Tuesday they have ordered Indian troops to leave the archipelago and signed a “military assistance” deal with China. The Maldives Minister of Defense and a senior Chinese military official signed an agreement on China’s provision of military assistance gratis to the Republic of Maldives, fostering stronger bilateral ties, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense. India and Maldives had historically enjoyed good relations, but the relationship turned sour after President Mohamed Muizzu, who has a pro-China stance, came to power. Read more [here](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiXGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmR3LmNvbS9lbi9tYWxkaXZlcy1zaWducy1kZWZlbnNlLWRlYWwtd2l0aC1jaGluYS1hbWlkLXJpZnQtd2l0aC1pbmRpYS9hLTY4NDQwMTAw0gEA?oc=5).