Maldives: Clash with Indians in Maldives, two injured, one in custody

An incident of assault with Indian citizens has come to light near Male, the capital of Maldives. Two people were injured as fighting escalated between local civilians and a group of Indians. The incident occurred in the Central Park of Hulhumale, about seven kilometers north-east of Malé. At 9 pm a fight broke out between the two groups. According to information received from Maldives, a Maldivian citizen has been detained by the police. However, the police did not reveal which country the person injured in the fight belonged to.

There was a clash inside the park

According to the information received, the police said that a clash has come to light between a group of Maldivians and Indians inside a park. Further investigation is going on in this matter. Two seriously injured people were taken to Hulhumale Hospital. Where later he was discharged after treatment. Neither the Indian High Commission in Maldives nor the Maldives government has yet issued any statement regarding the clash between the citizens of the two countries.

India-Maldives relations tense

Relations between India and Maldives have soured since Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu, who is considered close to China, took power last year. The first promise he made after coming to power was to withdraw Indian security personnel deployed to patrol the vast maritime border of Maldives. In January this year, relations between the two countries had soured following a controversy over racist comments made against PM Modi by some Maldivian ministers, including a deputy minister.

Muizzu gave anti-India statement

Last month, Mohammad Muizzu further escalated his anti-India stance and set a May 10 deadline for all Indian troops to leave the Indian Ocean archipelago. After his victory in last year's presidential election, Muizzu had talked about reducing the Maldives' dependence on India in key sectors such as food security and defence.

Maldives's closeness to China is increasing

Apart from finalizing arrangements with Sri Lanka for medical services, Muizzu's government has signed a deal with Turkey for drones to be used for maritime surveillance and for the supply of non-lethal military equipment and training. An agreement has been signed with China for. In the recently held parliamentary elections, Muizzu has once again won with an absolute majority.