India is a good friend of Maldives : Mohamed Shafeeq, Finance Minister of Maldives

Male – Maldivian Finance Minister Mohamed Shafeeq has supported President Muizzu’s stance against the presence of foreign troops in the Maldives. ‘Maldives still considers India as a friend. India is still number one in the number of tourists visiting Maldives according to the statistics of the Ministry of Tourism of Maldives,’ he said.

In an interview, Mohamed Shafeeq said that Maldives is a friend of all the countries. Both Chinese and Indians prefer visiting Maldives for holidays. The President, Government and people of Maldives reject the presence of foreign troops in the Maldives. Muizzu had said that after 10th May, no Indian soldier, even in civilian clothes, would be present in the Maldives. Muizzu, who assumed the presidency in November last year, visited China in January and the two countries have signed several agreements, including arms supply and training.

Editorial Perspective

Maldives’ ministers criticised Indian Prime Minister using low level language, also preferred China over India. After this, Indian tourists avoided visiting Maldives, affecting their economy. That is why the finance minister of that country is making such statements.