‘Did Not Display Muscle…’: Ex Maldivian President’s Apology To India Amid Diplomatic Standoff – News18

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, who is currently in India, expressed concern regarding the outcome of India’s recent boycott call against his nation and issued an apology on behalf of the Maldivian people.

Highlighting the potential impact of India’s boycott call on tourism, which is a crucial component of the Maldivian economy, Nasheed said he was deeply worried and wanted Indians to visit the Island on their holidays.

“It has impacted the Maldives a lot and I’m apprehensive about this. I want to say the people of the Maldives are sorry, we are sorry that this has happened. We want Indian people to come on their holidays to the Maldives, and our hospitality will not change,” ANI quoted Nasheed as saying.

President Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to expel all Indian military personnel from the country by March 10 has strained diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives, especially considering his perceived pro-China stance.

This led to a boycott call from India, impacting various realms of the Maldivian economy, especially tourism.

Nasheed also acknowledged India’s historically responsible approach to dealing with such matters and stated that instead of exerting force, the country proposed a diplomatic discussion, a testament to India’s commitment to resolving issues through dialogue.

“When the president of the Maldives wanted Indian military personnel to leave, you know what India did? They did not twist their arms. They did not display muscle, but just simply told the government of Maldives, ‘Okay, let’s discuss that’,” Nasheed added.

Notably, the recent defence agreement between Maldives and China, as described by the former president, is seen more as an acquisition of equipment rather than a defence pact.

Nasheed also questioned the current Maldivian regime and expressed his disappointment that the government felt the need for more tear gas and rubber bullets on protestors.

On the other hand, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed optimism in resolving the dispute diplomatically, acknowledging that misunderstandings can arise between nations.

“We have to make people understand, sometimes people don’t even have complete knowledge of things, sometimes people get misguided on what others say,” the Indian minister earlier said.