'Whenever We Dial, India Responds First': Ex-Maldives Minister On Diplomatic Ties Ahead Of PM Visit
A year after diplomatic tensions with India, the Maldives is all set to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a State Visit on July 25 and 26. Expressing hope that this will turn things around, a former minister has praised New Delhi for being the first to respond whenever his country asks for help.
Modi is travelling to the Maldives at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu in what is being seen as a breakthrough in the ties between the two countries following a spell of frostiness. He will join the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Maldives.
Former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid noted India was always the first responder to the Maldives because Indians have a 'big heart". He said despite the tensions between the two countries, the rise in aid from India shows its maturity and generosity.
'The relationship between the Maldives and India has always demonstrated that India is the first responder. Whenever we dial the international line, India responds first. It is for many reasons. First and foremost, because Indian people have a big heart and they are always ready to assist the Maldives in the neighbourhood, they are most generous," Shahid said.
'…India is so close to the Maldives geographically. Whenever anything of urgency and distress happens in the Maldives, India has never let us down…the increase in aid by the Indian government shows the generosity and maturity," he said.
Shahid noted that it is important for the Maldives not to use its neighbours for its own political gains and respect its friends.
'It is important that we in the Maldives recognise that true friendship requires Maldivian political parties and leadership not to use our neighbouring countries as a punching bag for political convenience. The ground reality hits us quickly, easily and that is what we are seeing," he said.
Modi, meanwhile, has expressed confidence that his visit to the Maldives will yield tangible outcomes, benefiting people and advancing India's Neighbourhood First Policy.
'This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. I look forward to my meetings with President Muizzu and other political leadership, to advance our joint vision of a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, and to strengthen our cooperation for peace, prosperity and stability in the Indian Ocean Region," Modi said in a statement before he embarked on his four-day visit to the UK and Maldives.
'PM'S VISIT WILL SET EVERYTHING RIGHT'
Shahid said it was unfortunate that there was a dip in tourism due to the diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives.
'There is a huge market just next door to us. It is only natural that we tap into the economic boom that is taking place in India. It was unfortunate that there was a dip in Indian tourism around arrivals in the Maldives because of the diplomatic tensions. But I think the PM's visit this time will set everything right," he said.
He said the current Maldivian government will recognise India as its genuine friend and both countries bear no ill will.
'The message that we are receiving shows that the current Maldivian government is ready to recognise the ground reality that India is a genuine friend and that India will always work to the greater good of its neighbours and there is no ill-will on the part of anyone. I am hopeful and I look forward to this visit by the PM to be a new beginning, a way to further consolidate the relationship between our two countries," he added.
He further expressed contentment at the thawing of frozen ties between the two countries. He said the strain was due to an incorrect narrative of the current government.
'I am delighted by the PM's visit. The PM's visit this time goes beyond symbolism because the PM is making a State Visit coinciding with the 60th anniversary of our independence. He is going to be the guest of honour for the celebrations. This goes beyond symbolism because recently we have had very unfortunate diplomatic strain between the Maldives and India because of the narrative that the current government used during the elections," he added.
(With agency inputs)
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