Maldives declines India's invite for naval exercise, 16 countries to attend

Maldives has not given any reason for the decision, said Navy Chief Sunil Lanba

Maldives has declined India's invitation to participate in the biennial naval exercise Milan, which starts March 6, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said on Tuesday.

Maldives has not given any reason for the decision, Lanba told reporters on the sidelines of an event here.

Navy sources said over 16 countries have confirmed their participation in the exercise.