The Maldives borrowed billions of dollars from Beijing and hired Chinese firms for infrastructure projects under previous President Abdulla Yameen. Under the new Maldives government, India has sought to regain influence in the archipelago nation of 340,000 people and 1,192 islands located on major East-West shipping lanes. "Once completed, the project will be the single largest infrastructure project in the Maldives," Shahid said in a statement. In total, they will also be more than three times longer than the $200-million "China-Maldives Friendship Bridge" completed under Yameen with Chinese loans which has since been re-named. In line with its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, India has worked proactively to deepen its ties with the Maldives."

Source: Dhaka Tribune August 13, 2020 13:18 UTC