In Maldives, Swaraj exudes confidence in India’s development

Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj is leaving for a two-day visit to Maldives on Saturday.

The minister hailed the Indian communities – especially doctors, teachers and resort owners – for playing important roles here.

The encounter could be chaired by Swaraj with her Maldivian equivalent Dunya Mamoon. Asked why the Joint Commission is being restarted, he said it was mutually felt that it was time to ramp up bilateral ties. The president escaped unhurt, but the first lady and two other security officials suffered serious injuries.

She said that the contributors can even monitor the spending of India Development Foundation which is being run by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs.

Swaraj will meet officials including President Abudullah Yameen. “This is a very privileged relationship”, she said adding that this requires to be “handled carefully” on both sides.

Yameen, who took power after a bitterly contested presidential election in 2013, narrowly escaped a blast on board the presidential launch as it approached the capital Male.

Talking about the ongoing trial of former Maldivian President Mohammad Nasheed, he said as the world’s largest democracy, India has always supported political pluralism and democracy in the country.

A United Nations panel ruled last month that Nasheed’s jailing was illegal, he should be freed immediately and be compensated for his arbitrary arrest and detention by the government of President Abdulla Yameen, the half brother of former strongman Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.