Sri Lanka has expressed its willingness to play a constructive role in easing the escalating tensions between India and the Maldives, emphasizing the importance of regional peace.
The recent strain between the two nations emerged following the election of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who openly advocates a pro-China policy and urged the withdrawal of Indian troops for stronger ties with China.
On January 4, a diplomatic row unfolded when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's social media posts praising the beauty of India's beaches in Lakshadweep triggered discontent in the Maldives, heavily reliant on tourism for its economic sustenance. In response, three Maldivian junior ministers criticized Modi, prompting calls from Indian social media users to boycott the Maldives as a tourist destination.
During a meeting on the sidelines of the NAM Summit in Uganda, Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry, in discussions with his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer, reportedly underscored the imperative of regional peace and stability for the collective benefit of all countries.
