Maldives reaches out to India in hopes ‘to calm frayed nerves’, high-level visit to take place in Jan.
Times of India reports a high-level bilateral visit from India is to take place early January
President Abdulla Yameen and Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Maldives has begun work to fix ties with India, amid reports that relations between both nations have soured due its recent actions.
Times of India, on Tuesday, reported that the Maldivian government ‘seems to be finally reaching out to the Indian government’ and that both parties are currently discussing the possibility of a high-level bilateral visit from India ‘which it hopes to help calm frayed nerves on both sides’.
It said details of the meeting ‘are being worked out’ and that it is expected to take place early next month.
While the Maldivian government is yet to reveal any details regarding the trip, RaajjeMV’s attempts to obtain a comment from the President’s Office was unsuccessful as the spokesperson failed to answer calls.
Maldives’ decision to sign a free trade agreement with China, three councilors being suspended for meeting with Indian Ambassador Akhilesh Mishra and a negative report describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as ‘an anti-Muslim’ in a pro-government website have led to an increase in tension between both nations.
On Sunday, President Abdulla Yameen addressed these issues for the first time, calling India the Maldives’ ‘closes ally’, revealing that his administration is working towards a free trade agreement between the two countries.
