Visit to India was in relation to changes in Indian regulations: Dr. Shamheed

-Indian govt was given assurance that foreign investors will not be treated unjustly

Minister of Transport Dr. Ahmed Shamheed has revealed that his recent visit to India was to hold discussions with the Indian government to seek a solution to any problems faced by Maldivian vessels entering Indian harbor due to the changes in the regulations.

The Minister noted that some media outlets have been deliberately spreading false information about his visit although the reason for the visit is known.

In a view of some information spread by DhiTV, Minister Dr. Shamheed said that the reports spread by the channel are false and that his visit was to seek a solution to any problems faced by Maldivian vessels entering Indian harbor due to the changes in the regulations.

In addition to this he said that he discussed with the Indian government regarding the flights of Maldivian airline to India which is to be commenced soon.

Minister Dr. Shamheed criticized DhiTV for spreading false news about his visit and falsely claiming that he advocated in defence of GMR during his visit.

The Minister said that the government has informed the Indian government of the issues in the agreement of GMR. He said that the government informed the Indian government regarding this matter recently through a visit of a Maldivian delegation to India.

Among the delegates were Minister of Transport Dr. Shamheed and Minister of Trade Ahmed Mohamed. The two Ministers met with Indian Civil Aviations Minister Ajeeth Singh and Indian Shipping Minister.

Minister Dr. Shamheed said that the Indian government was informed that under the GMR agreement the Airport cannot be developed according to the expectation of the government. He also said that the agreement includes issues like the issue of Airport Development Charge (ADC).

Minister Dr. Shamheed said that the GMR officials were not invited for the meetings. He said that the government gave the Indian government the assurance that foreign investors would not be treated unjustly.