New Delhi,
Maldives has declined India’s invitation to participate in the eight-day mega naval exercise Milan beginning March 6, in what is seen as a “diplomatic snub” to New Delhi, which has been critical of the imposition of emergency in the Indian Ocean island nation.

“Maldives was invited to join the exercise but they have declined,” Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said.

The Maldives embassy in New Delhi issued a statement: “Maldives is unable to participate… due to the current circumstances of a state of emergency. During such a time especially, security personnel are expected to be at a heightened stance of readiness.”

“The Maldives and India enjoy a long history of excellent defence and military cooperation and it is a tradition that we are confident that will endure and continue indefinitely.”