India to assist Maldives in “every possible way”

Emphasising India’s interest in ensuring peace and stability in Maldives, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Tuesday told visiting Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdul Samad Abdullah that while New Delhi is happy to assist in “every possible way”, it expects all parties, including those supporting the government, to contribute towards bringing peace and stability in the island country.

Sources said Foreign Minister Abdul Samad Abdullah, who is on his maiden visit to India, told Krishna that all parties in Maldives “welcome Indian government facilitation”. Krishna said the government had been “happy to use its good offices” to facilitate forward movement on the political impasse in Maldives.

Foreign Minister Abdul Samad Abdullah also updated Krishna on the Commission of Enquiry appointed by Maldives to look into the circumstances surrounding the transfer of power on February 7. The Indian side was also informed about Maldives President Mohammed Waheed Hassan’s plans for a visit to India in May.

In the wake of recent reports about the GMR airport in the Maldives facing trouble, sources said that Krishna took up the issue on the need for “safeguarding Indian commercial interests” and the need to maintain an investor-friendly climate to continue attracting quality investments.

Foreign Minister Abdul Samad Abdullah, according to sources, assured that all existing agreements will be honoured, sources said.