A Chinese spy ship, masquerading as a 'research' vessel, en route to Maldives has set alarm bells ringing in New Delhi amid a simmering row with Male, which erupted this month after three Maldivian ministers made comments critical of PM Modi.
The move comes despite India s concerns that the Chinese ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship, Yuan Wang 5 could spy on New Delhi s military installations.
Sri Lankan foreign ministry requested the Chinese embassy last week to postpone the vessel s visit following security concerns raised by India. Subsequently, the vessel did not dock at the Hambantota port on Thursday as planned.