COVID-19 : Former Maldives President Nasheed thanks India for sending food, medicines

He highlighted India's role as a "first responder" for the Maldives, emphasising that India's support during critical periods has been fundamental to the stability and security of the island nation.

"India is a major exporter of petroleum products, especially to our neighbourhood. We have been supplying diesel to Bangladesh through waterways, rail and the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline in partnership with Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation. Diesel exports to Bangladesh have continued since then," he said.

Speaking to ANI, Nasheed said the conflict could disrupt the country's fragile economic stability. "Tourist arrivals have come down. So that is going to have a very big impact on our economy and the prosperity of the people. So, yes, it is very, very difficult," he added.

Speaking with ANI, she called for South Asian nations to "talk as one" and collaborate with partners like India to maintain regional stability, moving away from insular foreign policy slogans.

UAE air defences are currently intercepting Iranian missiles and drones. Amidst the strikes, President Mohamed bin Zayed visited injured civilians, including an Indian national, vowing to protect all residents. The escalation follows retaliatory Iranian attacks on US allies after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.