o New Delhi is wary of instability taking root in island nation where the radical Islamic State (IS) has been making inroads.

♤ Maldives is a nascent democracy and is in the process of strengthening its institutions and capacity building. In recent times also Maldives has professed an “India first” policy.

♤ India should remain committed to assist the Government and people of Maldives in their endeavours to build a stable, democratic, peaceful and prosperous country. India needs to tread with extreme caution in this sensitive area because the developments, so far, in the Maldives are a domestic issue and remain within the ambit of the nation's "internal affairs".

♤ In this context, India should be actively engaged with all stakeholders in the reconciliation process in the wake of recent developments, in order to ensure that they continue to take the democratic process forward.