Relationship with India important for Maldivian economy: Nasheed

Parliament Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed, in an interview with NDTV, has expressed the importance of maintaining a good relationship with India for Maldivian economic growth, security and stability.

Nasheed is currently in the neighboring nation, to attend the World Economic Forum.

He spoke of the long-standing relationship between India and Maldives and of how both countries’ economies are intertwined. He also highlighted the significance of the military relationship between both countries as the geography of Maldives lends a strategic importance.

The speaker also thanked the Indian government for its efforts to promote cricket in the Maldives.

The Indian government accepted Maldives’ request for assistance in building a suitable cricket stadium, earlier this year, and a team sent by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) visited the Maldives in May.

While he spoke highly of India at the Economic Forum, Nasheed made serious allegations against China claiming the Chinese government backed the former administration's wrongdoings.

Maldives ties with India had soured during former President Abdulla Yameen's term, as he focused building relations with China; something which was criticized by then-opposition.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's inauguration last November, and Solih's maiden trip abroad was to India. PM Modi made an official visit to Maldives in May this year.

Solih's administration is also working to strengthen ties with China, with Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid making an official visit there last month.