'China Wants Foothold in Indian Ocean': Former Maldives President Nasheed Says | Sagarmanthan 2026

Description: How is a changing maritime world reshaping the Maldives and its place in the Indian Ocean? Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed speaks with Firstpost’s Hem Kaur Saroya about the challenges facing the Maldives, from climate change and coral bleaching to disrupted maritime routes, economic vulnerability, and growing geopolitical competition in the Indian Ocean. He discusses the Maldives’ dependence on India, China’s growing presence in the region, and the importance of building a resilient, prosperous, and secure Maldives. Nasheed also addresses the impact of blocked maritime channels such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, the Maldives’ debt burden, defence spending, and the need to tackle radicalisation through stronger policing and education. Watch the full video on Firstpost in collaboration with ORF to know more.

00:00 – Maldives as a Big Ocean State
02:00 – Climate Vulnerability & Marine Livelihoods
05:05 – Shipping Lanes & West Asian Choke Points
07:11 – India Ties vs China’s Foothold in the Indian Ocean
10:10 – Foreign Policy: Navigating Strategic Autonomy
14:06 – Maritime Security, Regional Powers & Internal Threats

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Mohamed Nasheed | India Maldives Relations | China Maldives Relations | Indian Ocean | Maldives Geopolitics | Maldives Debt | Maldives Economy | Climate Change | Maritime Routes | Strait Of Hormuz | Bab El-Mandeb | Sagarmanthan 2026 | India | Sagarmanthan Summit | New Delhi | Military | Shipping | Sagarmanthan Dialogue | Maritime Summit | Maritime Conference | ORF | Firstpost

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