India should lead, impose sanctions: EX-VP

LONDON: As the Maldives is buffeted by political storms and the emergency declared by President Abdulla Yameen, a leading London-based opposition figure wants India to take a leadership role in resolving the crisis by imposing targeted sanctions against the regime in Male.

Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, the nation’s vice president during 2013-15, believes India has the moral responsibility as one of the closest neighbours and the largest democracy to come to the aid of another democracy.

“India has always come to our rescue, but I have not seen much involvement from India this time... I would say to (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi, Sir, time is against us, take decisive action and resolve it as quickly as possible,” he said in an interview.

India has long wielded influence in the Maldives, but major investments by China has led to new challenges.

Ahmed said: “It is very hard for me to believe that at the doorstep of India the Chinese can really flex their muscle. I don’t think India is that weak and I will never believe that. And I don’t think China would be so unwise to do something... I believe India can talk with China and both can resolve the crisis.”

The chaos, he added, could have implications for investments and security in the Indian Ocean and this would not be in the interest of India.

India “should be able to force the Maldives to comply with international covenants, obligations, hold it to account”, he said.

If this doesn’t work, New Delhi should explore options such as “targeted sanctions on the regime and the businesses that are helping it, freezing assets and imposing travel bans”, he added.