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In a sign of possible thaw in India-Maldives ties, Maldivian Foreign Minister will arrive in India to meet the PM and Indian External Affairs Minister.

Summary of Indo-Maldives relations

India-Maldives relations had been frosty since Maldivian president Abdulla Yameen took over.

India was displeased and alarmed by Maldives’ FTA with China, especially by the speed by which the FTA was approved by the Maldivian government, which is not seen during negotiations for an FTA between India and Maldives.

Male is the only SAARC capital the PM had not visited since he took office. In March 2015, the PM cancelled his visit to Maldives over the Yameen government’s crackdown on political protests, much to the displeasure of the Maldives and subsequently putting a strain on the ties.

India’s support to ex Maldivian President Mohammed Nasheed, who was unceremoniously removed, arrested and exiled by Maldivian government, has also further widened the rift between the two nations.

However, the visit of Maldivian Foreign Minister can signal a possible thaw in the relations. Also, a visit of PM Modi to Maldives is on the cards, which could further help improve bilateral relations.

Source

The Hindu