today had a meeting with former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and stressed on the need for all stakeholders in the Maldives to take forward the process of political dialogue.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister referred to the close ties of friendship and cooperation between India and Maldives and said India was committed to working with the island country for its economic development, progress and betterment.
"The Prime Minister stressed the need for all stake- holders in the Maldives to take forward the process of political dialogue, to work together to resolve the current political situation and to maintain an environment of peace and stability in the country," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.
He said the Prime Minister underlined that India would continue to work towards further strengthening and expanding its multifaceted relationship with Maldives.
Gayoom had ruled Maldives for over three decades till losing power to Mohamed Nasheed through the country's first free and fair elections in 2008.
Nasheed quit in February this year. He had blamed Gayoom for orchestrating what he claims was a "coup", a charge denied by the leader of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).