India closely monitoring Maldives situation, Indians safe

Indian Tuesday said it was “closely” monitoring the situation in the Maldives, where President Mohamed Nasheed, elected only four years ago, resigned following overnight protests.

“We continue to closely monitor the situation in the Maldives,” an official spokesperson said.

He said that all Indians in the archipelago nation were safe following  protests sparked by the arrest on Nasheed's order of a judge over allegations of corruption.

“We have noted the decision of President Mohamed Nasheed to resign in favour of Vice President Mohamed Waheed. This is an internal matter of the Maldives, to be resolved by the Maldivians,” the spokesperson said.

“We hope that all issues will be resolved in a peaceful and democratic manner.”

The official said India remained “committed to extending the fullest support and cooperation to the government in its endeavour to promote peace in the Maldives”.