'One was under Chinese influence, other in US clutches...': Dr Subramanian Swamy highlights his intervention one year ago as PM Modi gets set to visit Maldives and Sri Lanka

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visits to the Maldives and Sri Lanka after beginning his second term to office, BJP MP Dr Subramanian Swamy has made an interesting revelation about the two countries. 

Taking to Twitter on Saturday, on the day of PM Modi's visit to the island nation of Maldives, Dr Swamy has said that the Prime Minister's visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka has come at a time of a "rousing reception". He further stated that one year ago, while Maldives had come into the influence of China, Sri Lanka was into the clutches of the United States.

Dr Swamy later added that his intervention and meeting with Former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed and Former President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa assisted in bringing both the countries to India. 

Notably, the BJP leader visited the two countries at separate but significant occasions. Furthermore, he has been responding to the senior dignitaries of the countries on social media on significant issues. Earlier in August 2018, he had met former Maldivian President Mohammed Nasheed in Colombo. 

PM Modi on Friday said his visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka beginning on Saturday reflects the importance India attaches to its ''Neighbourhood First'' policy and that it will further cement bilateral ties with the two maritime countries.

READ | MASSIVE: Maldives To Accord PM Modi The 'Order Of Nishan Izzuddeen' - Its Highest Honour For A Foreign Dignitary

Significantly, under the rule of former President Abdulla Yameen, the Maldives had developed warm relationships with China with Yameen courting investments from China by borrowing millions for development. Yameen, during his visit to China, also signed 12 pacts, including a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Furthermore, reportedly, under the former President, Indians were denied work visas in the Maldives and the visa renewal process was also halted for the Indian military personnel stationed with the two “Dhruv” advanced light helicopters, which India had gifted to Male. 

Moreover, PM Modi’s visit is significant to Sri Lanka in which the United States tried to make inroads by pushing a controversial agreement to post a large military establishment in the island nation. Ahead of his visit to Sri Lanka, PM Modi has reiterated India's support to the country in its fight against terror in the aftermath of the Easter bombings.

READ | PM Modi Expresses Confidence Over Strengthening Of Close And Cordial Ties With Maldives, Sri Lanka Ahead Of Maiden Visit In Second Term. Read Here