India to go soft on Maldives for now
3 Dec 2012 7:18 AM IST
Following the cancellation of contract of Indian corporate GMR to revamp Maldives Hulhul international airport, the government has decided to review its relationship with the island nation and not resort to ‘any strong action’ for now. During a cabinet committee on security meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, various options in view of anti-India sentiment that could hurt India’s interests ‘directly’ were discussed.
This committee took into account the developments surrounding cancellation of the contract and its possible wider consequences, said a source. The meeting was told that anti-India sentiment exists in Maldives among a small section but such people are even in the government. In view of this, India is not ruling out the possibility of its interests being hurt ‘directly’, a reference to its citizens or assets being harmed, sources said. It was noted that rule of law is weak and India will have to be ready with proportional response to deal with any contingency. Accordingly, various options were considered, which included stronger measures to protect India’s interests.
It was decided this measure shouldn’t be resorted to now and the situation should be dealt with through diplomacy. The Maldivian government has assured that India’s interests would be protected, sources said, adding ‘nothing can be ruled out’.
This committee took into account the developments surrounding cancellation of the contract and its possible wider consequences, said a source. The meeting was told that anti-India sentiment exists in Maldives among a small section but such people are even in the government. In view of this, India is not ruling out the possibility of its interests being hurt ‘directly’, a reference to its citizens or assets being harmed, sources said. It was noted that rule of law is weak and India will have to be ready with proportional response to deal with any contingency. Accordingly, various options were considered, which included stronger measures to protect India’s interests.
It was decided this measure shouldn’t be resorted to now and the situation should be dealt with through diplomacy. The Maldivian government has assured that India’s interests would be protected, sources said, adding ‘nothing can be ruled out’.
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