Speaker of the Parliament and former president of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed has stated that the establishment of an Indian Consulate in the southernmost Addu City will be beneficial to the Maldives.
During a cabinet meeting of the Indian government chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last Tuesday, it was decided that an Indian consulate will be established in Addu City before the end of the year. The decision did not involve any discussion with the Maldivian government and prompted outrage from the Maldives' citizens. Residents of Addu City have started a campaign to voice their concerns on the issue.
Nasheed, who has always advocated in favor of India said the vision of Addu City has always been open and that it was 'never locked'. The establishment of the consulate in Addu will bring benefit to Addu City and the Maldives, he said.
Many believe the establishment of a consulate office in Addu City is India's attempt at increasing its influence in the Maldives.
