'India is not crazy' to coerce Maldives: Mohamed Waheed

"India is not crazy", said Maldivian President Mohamed Waheed affirming that it (India) would not do anything coercive with regard to internal matters of Maldives.

"India is not crazy", said Maldivian President Mohamed Waheed affirming that it (India) would not do anything coercive with regard to internal matters of Maldives.

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Waheed, in New Delhi on a first foreign visit after assuming charge in February in a tumultuous political transition, has also sought India's help in financial and social areas with his country facing a huge budget deficit of nearly $500 million.

Here, barely weeks after the visit of political rival and predecessor Nasheed who came to drum up support for his call for early presidential polls in the Maldives, Waheed, in an interview to PTI, said "India is not crazy... somebody making demands just because he is popular is not going to find response. India's response is calculated. It is well informed and therefore, there is nothing for me to be worried about."

He was asked about the remarks of his minister of state for foreign affairs Duniya Maumoon that Maldives hoped that India will respect its sovereignty and will not play a role in the internal politics of the country in the backdrop of demand by Nasheed that India should "coerce" Male in early polls.

Waheed also rejected Nasheed's allegations that the entire power transition episode was orchestrated by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, saying "he (Nasheed) has been making all kinds of allegation, some outrageous also, even relating to India officials. I think, he is out of his mind too frequently."

After his meetings with the leadership during which he briefed them on the political situation in Maldives and emphasised continued adherence to all agreements, Waheed said all Indian investments are "safe."

He also said that he has been reassured of continued support by India, including "stand by credit line".