Maldivian MP denied entry to India

After Maldivian MP Ahmed Nihan — reportedly a top aide of Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen and head of the parliamentary group of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives ( PPM) — claimed that he was denied entry into India on Monday due to his political affiliations, the Indian government is likely to examine the matter and ascertain what exactly happened. On Wednesday evening, sources however dismissed reports as baseless that the Indian envoy had been summoned in the Maldivian Capital Male over the matter.

According to website reports including those in the Maldivian media, Mr. Nihan had apparently landed at Chennai late on Monday evening accompanied by both President Yameen’s sister and brother- in- law, both of whom were allowed to enter. Mr. Nihan later held a press conference in Male on Tuesday and termed India’s actions ‘ bullying’, according to reports in the Maldivian media that added that the MP holds a diplomatic passport and a Saarc visa which gives him access to all Saarc countries.

Mr. Nihan was apparently a frequent flyer to Chennai for his medical check- ups. A senior Maldivian diplomat was quoted by some reports as saying, “The recent visit was also to consult the doctor. This is an unfortunate incident.” The recent incident comes amid sharp deterioration in ties between India and its tiny south- western maritime neighbour.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had said last month that ties between India and Maldives "cannot be broken".