"High-Stakes Runoff Election in Maldives: India vs. China"
The Maldives is holding a presidential run-off election between the incumbent India-leaning leader, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and opposition candidate Mohamed Muizzu, who is backed by pro-China former President Abdulla Yameen. Solih has championed an "India first" policy, while Muizzu's coalition has launched an "India out" campaign, promising to remove a small Indian military presence. Thousands of voters turned out at polling stations across the islands, with the outcome yet to be determined.