High Commissioner: No strategic intention behind’s India’s help

High Commissioner of India to the Maldives G. Balasubramanian states there is no strategic intention behind India’s help to the Maldives.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with Sun, Balasubramanian, who presented his letter of credence to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on January 6^th, said Maldives is not important to India because of its strategic geographical location, but because Maldives is India’s neighbor.

As such, he expressed his belief that the two nations should always work together, for not only the benefit of the two nations but the region as a whole.

Balasubramanian explained that there is no mala fide when India interacts with another country, affirming the country’s commitment to the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, meaning the whole world is one family. He added that Indian wants all countries to grow together peacefully and resolve any differences between each other through negotiations and dialogue only.

Citing India has always extended a helping hand Maldives, often as a first responder, Balasubramanian stressed there is no strategic interest behind these initiatives. On the contrary, he said this is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s principle, ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’ meaning striving together for inclusive growth.

“So, between India and Maldives, we have such good relationship that both sides have clearly understood the intention,” he added.

Balasubramanian described India as one of the closest partners to Maldives and vice-versa.

“We are very close to you both culturally, people-to-people, contact-wise. There are linguistic linkages also and we have always been there, standing shoulder to shoulder with Maldives in the growth that both our countries have witnessed in the past 60 years,” he remarked.

Maldives and India will mark the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Relations between Male’ and New Delhi had been strained in the early days of President Muizzu’s administration.

But despite the earlier turmoil, officials from both Male’ and Delhi repeatedly expressed keenness to maintain relations and engaged in several high-level visits between the two countries, which have mended the strains.