This privilege was not afforded to any other country, neighbouring country lauds India following Ajit Doval’s meeting

MALI: Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has openly said that India had helped them during the Covid-19 period. India has generously aided us on many occasions. India donated the most number of vaccines. We received a lot of equipment from India essential to provide health services, Solih said in a statement.

The president also outlined India’s efforts to help Maldives to recover its economy. India purchased financial bonds worth 250 million dollars to help recover Maldives’ economy. A travel corridor was enacted between the two countries to ensure continued tourist arrivals. Moreover, India eased up access for Maldivians needing urgent health care, allowing them to travel to the country. This privilege was not afforded to any other country besides Maldives, Solih said.

It needs to be noted that the Maldivian president’s statement comes after National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s meeting with Maldives Defence Minister Mariya Didi, earlier this month. Maldives, which had strengthened recently relations with China for economic purposes, now wants to stand with India, its traditional friend.