President of the Republic of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, previously presented the Thilamalé bridge in India as a symbol of long-standing relations between India and the Maldives, highly praising the contribution of the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, discussions about China's role in the strategically important Maldivian infrastructure project have recently resurfaced.
In February 2026, Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) announced that the contract for the first phase of the Thilafushi port development project was awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). This project is also known as the project to alleviate the burden on local ports.
Thilafushi is an artificial island located west of the Maldivian capital, Malé. It was initially created in 1991 as a landfill site for the municipality's waste. Currently, a large commercial port is planned to be built there to reduce the load on the existing ports of Malé. In the first phase, the port area will increase from the current 5 hectares to 20 hectares. The project will include a 650-meter quay wall, a 125-meter roadside jetty, customs warehousing, and an X-ray inspection system. The goal of these automated services is to reduce the customs clearance process for cargo from five days to 48 hours.
According to Maldivian plans, the main operations of the commercial port will be moved from the Mafannu area in Malé to the Thilafushi area, which, according to Muizzu, should happen by November 2027.
It is important to note that Thilafushi is a key part of India's 'Greater Malé City Project' (GMCP). This six-kilometer project, which connects Malé with Velana, GulhiFalu, and Thilafushi, is being implemented with the support of a $400 million credit line and a $100 million grant from India. Afcons Infrastructure is carrying out the construction of this project. Thus, major infrastructure initiatives from both India and China are located in the same strategic zone, meaning this issue cannot be viewed solely as a commercial one.
Mohamed Muizzu came to power in 2023 through the 'India Out' campaign and was traditionally considered close to China. However, due to the financial needs of the Maldives and economic pressure, significant changes have occurred in his relationship with India, as India provided financial assistance to the Maldives. Nevertheless, the awarding of the Chinese contract for the Thilafushi port demonstrates that Malé is not abandoning ties with Beijing, despite strengthening relations with India. The Maldives seeks to maintain partnerships with both countries in the areas of investment, infrastructure, and economic needs. Consequently, although Muizzu's inclination towards India has increased, the current strategy of the Maldives appears to be an attempt to maintain a balance between India and China.


