- By Anushka Vats
- Mon, 26 Feb 2024 11:08 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday stressed that Indian military personnel and aviation platforms in Maldives have been solely working for the benefit of local people, affirming his stand that the controversy with the Maldives will be resolved through diplomacy.
Responding to the Maldives row, Jaishankar said, "Humanity is humanity. Diplomacy is diplomacy, and politics is politics. The whole world doesn't always run with obligation...so if we have encountered such a situation, the solution will come through diplomacy only."
He also said that sometimes misunderstandings take place between two nations.
"We have to make people understand, sometimes people don't even have complete knowledge of things, sometimes people get misguided on what others say," he added.
His remark came while the External Affairs Minister was speaking at the event 'The Rise of the Global South' at TV9 Bharatvarsh Conclave on Monday.
Jaishankar also outlined the key functions carried out by the Indian military men and aviation platforms in the Maldives.
"There are two Indian helicopters and one plane in the Maldives. Mostly, it is used for medvac (medical evacuation) purposes. The people of the Maldives are the beneficiaries of it. But, these are military planes, so who will run them? Obviously, military personnel," he said.
The External Minister stated that the Indian and the Maldivian sides are holding several rounds of talks to resolve any differences.
"They had some objection, so we said, 'Come on, let's discuss and reach a solution. So, even if our intention is good, policy is clear, we reach such a situation, and we have to find a solution. I firmly believe that we will be able to resolve this matter as well," the EAM added.
The removal of Indian troops from the country was the main election campaign of Muizzu's party and he put up a formal request with New Delhi regarding the same, just on the second day after assuming office.
(With ANI inputs)