Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed has strongly underscored India's indispensable role in maintaining security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region. Speaking at the 'Bay of Bengal Conversation' conference in Dhaka, organized by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), Nasheed asserted that smaller island nations look towards New Delhi to ensure collective prosperity.
Highlighting the practical realities of defense spending, Nasheed noted that smaller nations cannot afford massive military budgets, making regional cooperation with India a necessity for maintaining peace. He also remarked on the political dynamics of Maldives, stating that electoral rhetoric often gives way to practical governance realities once leaders assume power, emphasizing that nations like Maldives cannot function without Indian collaboration.
