India on Friday, 16 February, said it was waiting to see the steps to be taken by the Maldivian government after the emergency imposed in the island nation was lifted in the next few days.
“You are aware that we have called on the government of Maldives to lift the state of emergency and restore the democratic process, including the functioning of judiciary, which is free of intimidation,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a press briefing here.
“We have noticed that the emergency declared in the Maldives is valid for the next few days and we will wait to see the steps which will be taken by the government after this,” he added.
The Maldives plunged into crisis recently with President Abdulla Yameen declaring a 15-day emergency and ordering the arrests of the Chief Justice and former President MA Gayoom after the apex court termed as unjust the imprisonment of nine political leaders, including former President Mohammed Nasheed.
Asked about India’s stand after China said it was against any outside intervention in the Maldives, the spokesperson repeated his earlier statement that India hoped that “all countries can play a constructive role in the Maldives, instead of doing the opposite”.