Maldives backs India, respects country's right to its Constitution: Abdulla Shahid

The Maldives has lauded India for its help to train its cricket team, announced after PM Modi-President of Maldives Solih's bilateral on the sidelines of UNGA. Later, in an interview with WION, Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid noted that the removal of special status for J&K is not for other countries to decide on. Excerpts of the conversation:

How do you see India Maldives ties?

Relationship between our two countries have never been better. There is mutual respect. There is an understanding between the two peoples and leadership that there is a partnership, irrespective of the size of the countries. Common goals are security and development.

India plans to train your cricket team..how will it help our ties?

We have a growing relationship and people are in love with cricket. Your cricket team is the best in the world. We have seen how India has assisted Afghanistan to come on to the world stage. It is our hope that with the training opportunities which are given to Maldivian players, we will be able to follow the same path.

Is your country backing New Delhi on Kashmir?

We have a principled foreign policy. We feel each country has a right to decide on its Constitution and the constitutional changes India brought about are not for others to decide on and we respect it.