The current situation in the Maldives was one of the subjects covered during India’s External Minister’s official visit to Europe.

Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived in Belgium last Wednesday, on the last leg of her four-nation tour. Earlier, she had visited France and Italy. She was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Belgium Didier Reynders.

Official spokesperson at the ministry, Raveesh Kumar said that “both leaders undertook a comprehensive review of [their] bilateral relationship and exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues”.

She also met with her counterpart from the European Union, Federica Mogherini, where they “discussed issues related to foreign policy and security, trade & investment and exchanged views on regional and global issues”.

A statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry highlighted that developments in the neighborhood, including the current situation in Malidves, were discussed between both parties.

Relations between Maldives and India has been shaky lately, especially with China's growing influence in the archipelago nation. There have been reports of Indian nationals being denied visa in the Maldives, and Minister Swaraj has been asked to consider this ‘a national issue’.