Trump, Modi discuss Maldives crisis, N Korea over phone call

Washington: US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed concern about the political situation in Maldives over a phone call, as they also discussed the situation in Afghanisthan and enhancing security in Indo-Pacific region, the White House said.
“Both leaders expressed concern about the political crisis in Maldives and the importance of respect for democratic institutions and rule of law,” the White House said in a readout of the phone call between Trump and Modi, the first in 2018.
Maldives plunged into a political chaos when the apex court ordered the release of nine imprisoned opposition politicians, maintaining that their trials were “politically motivated and flawed”.
The Yameen government has refused to implement the ruling, prompting a wave of protests in Maldives capital, Male.
Maldives’ Supreme Court Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and another judge, Ali Hameed, were arrested hours after Yameen declared a state of emergency.
The White House said the two leaders also pledged to continue working together to enhance security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Affirming President Trump’s South Asia strategy, they reiterated their commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s security and stability,” the White House said.
Modi and Trump also exchanged views on Myanmar and ways to address the plight of the Rohingya refugees.
As of now there are some 680,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh putting enormous pressure in the economy of Bangladesh.
Recently Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed on a roadmap of return of these refugees to their homes in Myanmar.
The US believes that this is not the right time for the return of Rohingya refugees.