The deal comes as the Maldives president visits Delhi after relations nosedived in recent months.

Mohamed Muizzu is expected to seek a bailout worth hundreds of millions of dollars during his India visit.

President Muizzu is visiting India at a time when his country is staring at an economic crisis.

Led by president Mohamed Muizzu, the party's win is seen as support for closer ties with Beijing.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, seen as pro-China, had asked Delhi to withdraw troops from his country.

A Chinese research ship's imminent arrival at Male has increased tensions between Beijing and Delhi.

The island nation has asked Delhi to withdraw its troops from the country by 15 March.

Tensions have escalated after three Maldivian ministers made derogatory comments about India's PM Modi.