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India boycotts inauguration of Maldives-China friendship bridge

Rae Munavvar
02 September 2018, MVT 15:23
MALE HULHUMALE BRIDGE SINAMALE BRIDGE OPENING CEREMONY 2018 PRESIDENT ABDULLA YAMEEN
Rae Munavvar
02 September 2018, MVT 15:23

India boycotts the inauguration ceremony of the landmark Sinamale Bridge, representing the friendship between Maldives and China.

According to Indian news media 'Times of India', the Indian ambassador to the Maldives Akhilesh Mishra was invited to the inauguration ceremony of the bridge. However, Mishra declined to attend, boycotting the event.

India has expressed dismay due to the colossal grants given to the Maldives by the Chinese government, as well as the Maldives' favor to China with their foreign policy.

Mishra was recently summoned to the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the issue concerning an Indian parliament member that insinuated that India overtake the Maldives, should of voting fraud take place in the upcoming presidential elections.

The inauguration ceremony of the Sinamale bridge coincides with this rather sensitive timing.

However, The Indian government has since falsified this claim made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Subramanian Swamy.

The total expense of the Sinamale Bridge project amounts to USD 210 million, out of which USD 116 million is provided as free aid by the Chinese government. China has also loaned USD 72 million, while the Maldives’ government is bearing USD 12 million of the project.

The entire construction of the Sinamale bridge was carried out by the Chinese company China Harbour Engineering (CHEC).

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