'India helped in restoration of democracy in Maldives'
India played a "positive" role in restoration of democracy in Maldives by "exerting pressure" on the ruling regime, and the new government in the island nation would be "sensitive" towards New Delhi's "concerns", former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom said yesterday.
Nearly a month after he was released from jail, Gayoom, who ruled Maldives for three decades until 2008, said the government of President Abdulla Yameen inflicted "huge damage" on Maldives but democratic forces have prevailed over their "enemies".
Joint opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih came out victorious in the September 23 presidential election, handing a shock defeat to incumbent Yameen and capping months of political upheaval in the tourist paradise.
The political turmoil was triggered by imposition of emergency in February and jailing of several of opposition leaders including Gayoom, a half brother of Yameen.
After much tension, Yameen is scheduled to transfer power to new government on Nov 17.
Asked whether Yameen drew his strength from strong backing by China, Gayoom, credited with forging strong ties with India, hoped that China would respect the will of the Maldivian people.
Asked about India's role after imposition of emergency by Yameen in February, Gayoom said, "India did play a positive role, and along with other international partners, did exert pressure towards restoration of democracy."
Describing India as the "closest and most trusted ally" of Maldives, he said it was in the interests of all of the Maldives' geographical neighbours that there is stability in the Indian Ocean region.
"I am confident that the new government will work towards achieving this. We will be sensitive towards the concerns of India as well as of other friends," he said, adding Maldives was looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maldives "very soon".
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