Male: Maldives` new government has commended
India for the way it dealt with the political upheaval in the
country, saying New Delhi was not "fooled" by Mohamed
Nasheed`s claims of a coup and was "correct" in its reaction.
Masood Imad, a close aide and Press Secretary to the new
President Mohamed Waheed Hassan also sought to dispel
apprehensions that a change in regime and unrest would impact
Indian investments in the country.
"India was correct in dealing with the situation. India
was not fooled by him (Nasheed). Every country should follow
India`s stand," Imad said when told that the ousted
president had expressed disappointment with India for the way
it reacted to the developments here.
Nasheed had said on Saturday that he was disappointed with
India over its response to the political turmoil without
having properly understood the ground situation in the nation.
While Nasheed claims that he was forced to step down as
gun-totting military men threatened him with violence unless
he resigned, the government says there was no coup.
Imad said Maldives has had "excellent" ties with India and
pledged that this will always be the case. He also tried to
dispel fears over security of Indian investments in this
country.
"We have excellent relations with India and will also have
in future," he said.
"Indian investments are safe. Large number of Maldivians
visit India for various reason. You don`t have to worry," he
said.
Indian companies like GMR, Tatas, Suzlon, Oberoi and the
State Bank of India have major investments in the country.
PTI
