India calls on parties in Maldives to solve political impasse

Responding to a query on the situation in Maldives, which had recently witnessed the murder of a senior lawmaker MP Afrasheem Ali, official spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Syed Akbaruddin said India has been closely following the developments in Maldives.

"As a close and friendly neighbour, we are concerned at the continuing political instability in the country. In our engagements with the government and political parties in Maldives, we have consistently emphasised that peace and stability are necessary prerequisites to the firm implantation of democracy as well as for the economic growth and prosperity of the people of Maldives," he said.

"We also call upon the government of Maldives to ensure a propitious climate for foreign investments which have a direct bearing on the economic growth and development of Maldives," the spokesperson added. (more)