'PM Modi's Maldives visit will open new chapter in bilateral relations'

PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the Maldives, his first after re-affirmation of a robust mandate in the recent polls, is a strong reiteration of his neighbourhood policy. The step to visit the Maldives first is for the re-establishment of relations between both countries.

New Delhi:After the thumping re-election, PM Modi chose the Maldives as the first country for his official visit. To understand the significance of this visit, ETV Bharat approached Ambassador Rajeev Shahare who headed the Indian Mission in the Maldives during President Yameen's tenure.

Claiming it to be a new chapter in India-Maldives relations, Rajeev Shahare blamed former Maldivian President for deliberately going the China way and spoiling ties with India.

Not only this, the former Indian Ambassador to the Maldives accused Yameen's government of contemplating strategic projects with China which would have impinged India's security.

Applauding President Solih's government approach towards India, Rajeev Shahare said, 'Like India is saying neighbourhood first. The Maldives is saying India-First.'

When asked whether China will be left fumed by India-Maldives nexus, he responded, "It is not easy to take China out. They are deeply entrenched into the Maldivian economy," he added.

He also pointed out by saying that the current Maldivian government plans to probe major deals inked with China during Yameen's tenure.

On the question of how different India's approach should be this time, he said, "India was continuously engaging with Yameen's government as well. I think this government knows how to re-establish a relationship with Maldives government which is the reason why PM has chosen it as the first country to visit."