Maldives FM Zameer mindful on concerns over China vessel visit, Seeks Debt Relief from India

Maldives foreign minister Moosa Zameer has said that his country will be "very sensitive to any needs of our neighbors" amid the visits of a Chinese vessel. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, FM Zameer said, "We will make sure that the Indian Ocean is a peaceful place and a peaceful Indian Ocean is good for India as well as is good for Maldives." A Chinese research ship Xiang Yang Hong 03 had visited the country 2 times earlier this year. FM Zameer held talks with EAM Jaishankar on Thursday in Delhi, in what was the first high level visit from the Muizzu govt in Maldives that took charge last year. Terming India as a "development partner in the Maldives", the FM confirmed that debt relief was part of the talks with Indian sides. He confirmed "tremendously decreased" in Indian tourist to Maldives. Watch Full interview.