As the Indian Ocean archipelago of Maldives heads towards presidential elections later this year, New Delhi has reached out to a man who is an important player in the geo-strategically important country’s political scene, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told Mr Gayoom that India is looking forward to free, fair, credible and inclusive elections in Maldives and would be willing to assist in this process.
The Prime Minister also told the former President that India and Maldives have enjoyed a special and close relationship and it was important that the two countries work together to ensure peace and security in Maldives and the region.
Mr Gayoom, who is in New Delhi on a four-day visit, is slated to meet external affairs minister Salman Khurshid as well as senior officials of his ministry during his stay here.
India is keen to reach out to Mr Gayoom who now heads the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM), which he launched in 2011.
He ruled his country for three decades in what was virtually a dictatorship until he was ousted as President in October 2008. However, during his meeting with the PM, Mr Gayoom is learnt to have said that democracy should take firm roots in the Maldives and there should be understanding amongst all political parties in this regard.