Among the neighbouring countries with which India’s diplomatic relations has not been at very best, Maldives certainly comes pretty high on the list. The island nation is facing a political crisis right at present and the present pro-Chinese stance of thr dictatorial government isn’t making things better for the citizens of the country. On February 5, President Yameen declared a 15 day emergency in the country and ordered the arrest of the Chief Justice and former President Mohammed Nasheed.

Incidentally, former President Mohammed Nasheed was inclined towards India. The President of Maldives has decided to extend the state of emergency by another 30 days. From the beginning, India has maintained a tough stand on the Maldives scenario and opined for maintaining normalcy in the country and implementation of the orders given by the Supreme court in letter and spirit.

In an official statement the MEA said, “India didn’t see any valid reason for extension of emergency. We continue to watch the situation and continue to urge the government of Maldives to release political prisoners, release the Chief Justice, implement Supreme Court orders and restore normal functioning of institutions of democracy.”

India’s stand on the island nation has angered the country which is facing the biggest ever crisis in the last few years. They have taken strong exception to India’s decision of not hosting the Maldivian Foreign Minister. Mohammed Asim, the Minister of Foriegn Affairs in a statement said, “Government of Maldives takes note of public statements issued by Government of India that ignore the facts and ground realities with regard to the ongoing political developments in the Maldives.

The assertion by the Government of India that the extension of the State of emergency by the People’s Majlis was unconstitutional is a clear distortion of facts, which ignore the Constitution and Laws of the Maldives.” No doubt, this stand of Maldives is bound to create distance between India and Maldives and will definitely give an upper hand to China who is keenly looking into the recent political developments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi needs to address this sensitive aspect as soon as possible as this involves national interest.