Coastal India watching Maldives closely

KOCHI: The mutiny in Maldives has given birth to fresh concerns in India. Security forces in Kerala and Lakshadweep Islands are keenly watching the ongoing political developments in Maldives.The island nation could be used as a strategic choke point for the neighbouring nations including China and Pakistan. Considering its proximity to Lakshadweep, any development in Maldives should be viewed seriously, senior defence officials said.“Maldives is almost like an outpost of India. The Indian Navy has been supporting Maldives forces by providing infrastructure support like patrol boats and radar stations. So we need to watch the developments there. Whoever is coming to power, I hope there won’t be an anti-India mentality from their side. Other nations like China and Pakistan can have an interest in developing a base there. We have the String of Pearls in front of us,” said Vice Admiral Raman P Suthan, former Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy.He recalled ‘Operation Cactus’ of 1988 where the Indian Armed Forces had to intervene after the Maldivian militia was overpowered by some external forces and the president’s residence attacked. The Maldivian Government sent out calls asking for assistance and the Government of India was one of the first to respond.Minicoy, in Lakshadweep, is 60 nautical miles away from Maldives. Security officials in Lakshadweep maintained that there was no threat to security of the islands as of now. “One of the islands in the Lakshadweep chain of islands is close to the northern most island in Maldives. And there’s hardly any movement between Lakshadweep and Maldives. Hence there won’t be any security situation here,” Lakshadweep SP Ajay Kumar said.Meanwhile, speaking to ‘Express’ from Maldives, an official of Maldives National Defence Force said the situation was brought under control by Tuesday evening. “Everything has become normal. It was just an action by some police officials that led to the developments. There was some unrest. The president had to step down. Now, the vice-president has taken charge. There’s no alarming situation now,” said Izmia Zahir of Crime Prevention Department, Maldives Police Service.