Indian MEA says relations with Maldives is 'cordial', despite recent troubles

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has that relations with the Maldives remain ‘close, cordial, and multi-dimensional’ and that it would maintain its ‘Neighbours First’ policy.

Minister Sushma Swaraj reiterated India’s commitment to supporting the Maldives at the ‘Consultative Committee of the Parliament on External Affairs’, where the government and parliamentarians discussed India’s external ties.

“India has always been there for Maldives and will continue our commitment to be the ‘first’ friend” the ministerial delegation further said.

Members at the committee, which included representatives from the Communist Party of India, BJP, and the Indian national congress, had also been subject to inquiry as to why relations with the Maldives has been problematic despite the country’s small populations.

“Why is India unable to address concerns of an island nation whose size is equal to that of [the Delhi neighbourhood of] Maharani Bagh?” a parliamentarian said, according to news website The Hindu.

In mid-December, Raveesh Kumar, official spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, held a press conference expressing concern over the free trade agreement Maldives signed with China.

Kumar, who also dispelled speculation that India has been provoked by a recent article published by news outlet Vaguthu criticizing India, said he hopes Maldives would maintain its ‘India-first’ diplomatic policy.

An Indian analyst and author had accused the government of having tapped the personal phones of Akhilesh Mishra, Indian ambassador accredited to the Maldives, and other Indian diplomats.