Ex- Maldives President Nasheed walks out of Indian embassy

Mohamed Nasheed is said to have missed a scheduled court appearance his party says was part of an attempt to stop him running for president. Photograph: Strdel/AFP/Getty Images

The 45-year old former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed, today, walked out of the Indian High Commission in Male where he took refuge for 10 days to evade an arrest warrant.

On February 13, Mr Nasheed took refuge after a court ordered for his arrest for failing to face charges for illegally detaining a judge. His party claimed that the case had political intentions and was designed to disqualify him from taking part in Presidential polls, which is to be held in September. 

“It will be recalled that the former President had entered the Indian Mission in Male on 13 February 2013 on his own volition and had similarly decided to leave on his own.  It is hoped that with this development the former President will again resume his social and political life,” said external affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin.

The crisis was resolved after few series of meeting led by Ministry of  External affairs, Joint Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and High Commissioner of India with the Government of Maldives and other stake holders. 

“The Government of India wishes to thank all those who have cooperated in these efforts,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.

The statement also quoted that the Minister of External Affairs Salman Kurshid has conveyed to his Maldivian counterpart that India has traditional and age old ties of friendship and cooperation with Maldives.  

“The Government of India urges all parties to maintain peace and calm and hopes to continue its positive engagement in the spirit of the close and friendly relations between the two countries,” it added.