Malé, Maldives – Professor Ugail has said that he is unable to foresee how dependency on India can lead to sustainable development.
The Addu born mathematician said that since India is not a first world country, he does not see how dependency on India will push Maldives into top tier development.
Citing that he is not talking politically but academically, Professor Ugail questioned whether Maldives still wanted development at a snail’s pace.
Ugail has criticized the establishment of an Indian Consulate in Addu which is said to bring development. He warned against heavily depending on one specific country, emphasizing the importance of having equal diplomatic relationships with all countries. He has also stated that Maldives should have ownership of infrastructure built in the country.
India’s Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the opening of a new Consulate General of India in Addu City, Maldives in May 25, 2021. The cabinet had highlighted that Maldives occupies an important place in the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and the ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision of the Government of India and that Maldives and India have many similarities in terms of tradition, religion as well as the financial market.
The Indian Embassy in Maldives states that the consulate will assist in improving economic and commercial ties between southern Maldives and India. They noted that a ferry service has started between Tuticorin and Addu and that a Consulate in Addu city will further improve ties between the two nations and especially improve development activities between India and Maldives.
Although the government of Maldives has yet to approve the establishment of an Indian consulate in Addu City, Mayor Nizar stated that Addu City Council will provide full support in the matter as it is an important decision made regarding the development of Addu.
