Within hours of Abdulla Yameen, the pro-China President of the Maldives, suffering a humiliating defeat in the elections in the archipelago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned Opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and congratulated him on his victory in the hustings.

The PM conveyed his good wishes for the strengthening of democracy, peace and prosperity in the Maldives under Solih’s leadership, the External Affairs Ministry said. Solih thanked Modi for his greetings and good wishes. The two leaders agreed to work closely together to further strengthen the close, friendly and good neighbourly relations between the two countries.

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Earlier on Monday, India said the election results reflected the Maldives commitment to the values of democracy and the rule of law. New Delhi also hoped the Maldivian Election Commission would officially confirm the result at the earliest. The final results in the election would be announced on 30 September. “We welcome the successful completion of the third presidential election process in the Maldives which, according to preliminary information, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has won,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

“We heartily congratulate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on his victory and hope that the Election Commission will officially confirm the result at the earliest,” it said. Reports from Male said Solih won the election, defeating Yameen, who had become a major source of irritation for India because of relentlessly pursuing Beijing’s agenda in the island nation.

He borrowed hundreds of millions of dollars from China for controversial infrastructure projects in his country, much to the discomfiture of India. Yameen often faced strident criticism, especially from India, for jailing his opponents. India’s ties with the Maldives came under strain after President Yameen declared Emergency on 5 February.