New Delhi: India's relationship with its longtime ally Maldives were at all time low. Former Maldivian President Abdullah Yameen's anti-India policies were largely credited for it. His 'pro-China' stand severely frustrated Modi government's bid to outreach it's neighbours.
Since the transition of power in November last year, both countries are looking towards a new beginning. As part of it, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visited the island nation on the invitation of her Maldivian counterpart Abdullah Shahid.
Observer Research Foundation's Director Research Harsh V Pant, who has extensively written on India-Maldives relations called the Maldives an important ally for India's strategic periphery.
He also claimed that Sushma Swaraj's two-day official visit to the Maldives is the beginning of 'a new phase' for both countries. The senior researcher at the ORF also said, 'after elections, we have seen a new upswing in the relationship. We are looking at a more balanced relationship where the Maldives is taking into account Indian sensitivities while making its foreign policy.'