Indian parliamentarians again discuss Maldives FTA with China
The topic was raised by MP Wansuk Siyem
MP Wansuk Siyem
Indian parliamentarians have reportedly spoken about Maldives controversial free trade agreement with China again.
Indian news outlets report that parliamentarians, in a dialogue initiated by the National Congress, discussed how the agreement impacts India.
The topic was raised by Wansuk Siyem, the MP representing Meghalaya State in the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of India's parliament).
The free trade agreement has previously been discussed by Indian parliamentarians, and the Ministry of External Affairs had attested that relations between both countries are ‘close, cordial, and multi-dimensional’.
READ MORE: Indian MEA says relations with Maldives is 'cordial', despite recent troubles
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.
