Maldives choosing China over India is matter of concern: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
PTI, Jan 8, 2024, 6:08 PM IST
Source: ANI / File
Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday said that it is a matter of concern that the Maldives with which India has close relationship for decades, is of late preferring China over its nearest neighbour.
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is in China on a five-day state visit from Monday during which he is due to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and sign several agreements to bolster the bilateral ties.
”The Maldives has always preferred India over China, but now it is choosing China. This is an issue of concern for us,” Chowdhury, leader of Congress party in Lok Sabha, told reporters at Baharampur in Murshidabad district.
Muizzu’s maiden visit to China comes amid a huge diplomatic row triggered by derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by three Maldivian deputy ministers after he posted a video of him on a pristine beach during his visit to Lakshadweep. The three were suspended.
”Fissures are coming up in our decades-long relationship with Maldives,” the Baharampur MP said.
Chowdhury said that newly-elected presidents of Maldives in the recent past used to visit India first, considering the wide-ranging bilateral ties.
”It is also a matter of concern that China is expanding its influence in Maldives,” Chowdhury, also the West Bengal Congress president, said.
Maldives has also requested New Delhi to withdraw 77 Indian military personnel from the island nation and announced its plans to drop a hydrographic survey agreement with India.
Muizzu, who was sworn in as President in November, chose Turkiye as his first destination for a foreign visit soon after his election followed by the UAE where he met Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) on December 1 and discussed the progress of the wide-ranging bilateral ties.
In December, the new Maldives Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef visited China, his first visit abroad, and took part in the China-sponsored China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation, (CIORF) in Kunming.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Rahul Gandhi to attend caste census meeting in Hyderabad today
FIR against Sanjay Raut’s brother for remarks against Shiv Sena’s woman leader
In-flight passengers can access WiFi services only when allowed, say new rules
Balasore tragedy result of composite negligence of railway officials: Orissa High Court
Three convicted for 2016 Kollam collectorate blast case
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
MRPL offers Rs 1 cr to buy advanced TB testing machines
Salman Khan gets another threat, asked to cough up Rs 5 cr
Mangaluru: Vishwa Konkani Samaroh to be held on Nov 5 and 6
Canadian cop suspended for attending pro-Khalistan protest outside Hindu temple
Rahul Gandhi to attend caste census meeting in Hyderabad today
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.