Nasheed warns Middle East conflict affecting Indian Ocean region

Former president Mohamed Nasheed said on Friday that the conflict in the Middle East is beginning to affect the Indian Ocean region and expressed hope that countries in the region would not become involved in the war.

Speaking in an interview with Press Trust of India, Nasheed said the situation in the Middle East is a concern and noted that many countries affected by the conflict do not wish to become involved.

He referred to reports that a United States submarine sank the Iranian vessel IRIS Dena near waters close to Sri Lanka, saying the developments show that the impact of the conflict is reaching the Indian Ocean.

“This is a matter of concern. As the main security power in the region, India will pay attention to it. It is also good that Sri Lanka has assisted vessels in distress,” Nasheed said.

Nasheed said he hopes countries in the Indian Ocean region will not be drawn into the conflict.

“This is a difficult time. The war was started by Israel and other countries are becoming involved,” he said.

“I do not want to see this happen. I hope Israel and the United States will understand and that countries in the region will not become involved.”

Speaking to PTI, Nasheed said the war should not spread to the Indian Ocean and that the conflict should not continue in the region.

He also referred to incidents involving Iranian vessels in the region, including one ship attacked by the United States and another vessel currently docked in Sri Lanka.

Nasheed said the Maldives, India and Sri Lanka maintain relations with many countries and do not seek confrontation with any state.

“Do not bring this conflict here. Do not create problems in the Indian Ocean,” he said.