India on Friday allowed limited exports of essential goods including sugar, wheat, rice, onions and eggs to the Maldives as a goodwill gesture amid soured ties with the neighbouring country which has suddenly shown a marked tilt towards China under its new government.
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is learnt to have made the remarks after media reports that suggest Muizzu wants to talk to India for debt restructuring.
The Maldives has reportedly deported 43 Indians accused of committing crimes there. A local news outlet reported on Tuesday (Feb 13) that people of other nationalities were also deported, including 83 from Bangladesh, 25 from Sri Lanka and eight from Nepal.
Gasuim Ibrahim's demand referred to remarks by Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu – regarded as pro-China – earlier in the month referring to India as a bully without naming the country.
Tensions between India and Maldives arose after three former deputy ministers issued derogatory remarks for PM Modi, who had posted on X, about his visit to Lakshadweep Islands. , World News, Times Now