Indian firms blame politics for 'undue challenges' in Maldives

NEW DELHI/MALE: Nearly eight months after the regime change in Maldives, some Indian companies present there are blaming political interference for creating "undue challenges" for them, even as the new government has assured that all Indian investments are safe.

Among the Indian firms doing business in Maldives, infrastructure major GMR group's USD 500 million Male airport project has run into rough weather, while a realty project being co-developed by Tata group firm Tata Housing is also facing land-related issues in the country.

Apex Realty, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) created by Tata Housing and SG18 Developers, is working on an ambitious housing project in the country.

Both projects were awarded during the regime of former President Mohamed Nasheed, who was forced to resign in February this year following country-wide streets protests and what he calls a "coup d'etat".

Adding to the worries of the Indian companies, some coalition partners of the current regime are planning to hold a large rally against GMR on November 3.

Asked about the major fears that GMR has with respect to its airport project, a company spokesperson said, "GMR as a private investor has gone into a business contract with MACL (Grantor), a government-owned company, and the Government of Maldives (Guarantor) to develop and operate Male airport.

"However, to gain political advantage, some elements of the Government itself have started hampering the smooth functioning and development of the airport."

"Public statements and press conferences of some government ministers and coalition party leaders are clearly aimed at arousing public sentiments against GMR and creating undue challenges for us," the company said.

In the case of Apex Realty project, the Maldivian government has sought to take over the site already given to the firm to build a brand new Supreme Court building.

While the government has offered to give an alternate site, some problems still persist, officials at the companies involved in the project said, while requesting anonymity.