India will help in the matter of budget deficit, says President Waheed

India will help the Maldives to balance the budget deficit for the year 2012, said President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik today.

Speaking to Maldivian journalists at Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi, President Waheed, who is now in India in an official visit, said that India had given assurances of help in relation to budget difficulties the Maldives is currently running. In an answer to a question put forth by a Sun Online reporter, the President said that India will help to make budget issues right, and will also assist the Maldivian attempts to improve and develop the country’s economy.

While Financial Committee of the People’s Majlis has estimated that the 14-billion Rufiyaa budget estimated for this year would rise as high as 18 billion, the President said that the cause the rise in government expenditure was due to unpaid bills outstanding from the last year. He said that the total amount of those bills was at 2 billion. President Waheed assumed office this year, on the 7th of February, when former President Mohamed Nasheed had to resign on the face of increased public criticism.

About the discussions held with Indian officials, President Waheed said that the discussions addressed the economic conditions of the Maldives as well. He also said that the Indian government was informed about the various steps taken in the Maldives to comply with the advice of IMF.

President Waheed also said that the 40-million dollar to be given by Axim Bank for housing purposes would also be handed over very soon.

“I believe that we will get considerable aid from India”, said the President.

The President also criticized former President Mohamed Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for accusing Indian High Commissioner in Malé of being part of the “coup d’état that toppled Nasheed’s government”. He said that the accusation was “very irresponsible”, and that India did not even ask about that.

The President met with Indian President Pratibha Patil and Premier Manmohan Singh today. He also met with Indian Minister of External Affairs S. M. Krishna, and Indian Defence Advisor today. The President will also meet with Sonia Gandhi, the President of Indian National Congress and the Chairperson of India’s ruling United Progressive Alliance.