The Edition
facebook icon twitter icon instagram icon linkedin icon

Latest

Maldives key to India's continued independence

Mohamed Visham
15 August 2016, MVT 13:37
Indian High Commissioner to Maldives Akilesh Mishra speaking during the ceremony held to mark the 70th anniversary of independence on Monday. MIHAARU PHOTO/MOHAMED SHARUHAAN
Mohamed Visham
15 August 2016, MVT 13:37

Maldives plays a pivotal role to ensuring the continued independence of India, Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives said Monday.

Speaking during a ceremony held on Monday to mark the 70th anniversary of India's Independence, Akilesh Mishra hailed the historic ties between the two countries.

He noted the ever expanding relations in multiple sectors including cultural, health and defence.

"Maldives and India have always enjoyed a historic relationship," Mishra noted.

Mishra also called on Indians living in the Maldives to increase efforts to boost relations with its neighbour.

Relations between India and Maldives came under a strain after Male had terminated the agreement it entered into with GMR in 2010 for the modernisation of the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. The airport was taken over by the Maldives Airports Company Limited after a legal tussle with GMR which is still in arbitration.

Since president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom took office in 2013, Maldives has witnessed growing Chinese influence with China assisting the tiny island nation with major infrastructure projects including airport expansion and a landmark bridge project to connect the capital with the airport island.

Share this story

Discuss

MORE ON NEWS