“It has impacted the Maldives a lot, and I am actually here in India. I’m very worried 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 there will not be any change in our hospitality,” former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed said.

The remarks came days after Union Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar gave a strong response to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s bully remark. Mohamed Nasheed emphasized on the crucial role India played during difficult phases for Maldives. While stressing that India acts as a responsible superpower, Mohamed Nasheed said that India has been always there for the first call of assistance.

“…When the President of the Maldives wanted the Indian military personnel to leave you what did India do? They did not twist their arms and muscles but told the Maldivan government to discuss that and that is the action of a responsible superpower. It is not ‘bully.’ In 1988, when there was a coup attempt in the Maldives, India came and flushed the coup and brought back our government…The COVID-19 came, we got the vaccine through India. India has been there for the first call of assistance,” former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed said. 

“Hence I would not think that any Maldivian would misunderstand these things. I would call him please stop these discussions on the Dornier flight and the helicopters as they were brought to Maldives for medical evacuation…,” he added. 

S Jaishankar’s strong response to 

Milestone Alert!
Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world 🌏 Click here to know more.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it’s all here, just a click away! Login Now!

Published: 08 Mar 2024, 08:52 PM IST