India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi hugs Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in New Delhi, India, Dec. 17. (Reuters)
Arab News/Reuters: India gives $1.4 bln aid to Maldives amid worry over its China debt
* India has long seen the Indian Ocean nation as part of its sphere of influence
* Solih defeated strongman Yameen Abdul Gayoom, who had forged increasingly closer to ties to China
NEW DELHI: India will give financial assistance of $1.4 billion to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday, the biggest aid yet to the Indian Ocean island nation that is grappling with debt from a Chinese building spree.
Modi made the announcement after talks with Maldives’ new president, Mohamed Ibrahim Solih, who defeated the pro-China strongman Abdulla Yameen in a surprise election result in October and is trying to reset ties with India.
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Update: New Maldives leader secures $1.4bn from 'closest friend' India (AFP)
WNU Editor: This is more India - China geopolitics at play than what the Maldives wants.
