India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said it has heard ‘concerning’ reports regarding the China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

In a press conference at the ministry on Thursday, MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said they were concerned that the Maldives parliament approved signing the agreement without seeing it in full.

Kumar said India has always had an interest Maldivian democracy and development, as well as peace in the region.

Responding to a question regarding President Abdulla Yameen’s recent visit to China, the Spokesperson said India would congratulate him if the purpose of the trip was for the progress of peace in the region.

The China-Maldives FTA has sparked worry in India and across the world.