NEW DELHI, 11 June, 2021 (TON): There are no disagreements between India and Maldives’ government over the establishment of an Indian consulate in the southern city of Addu, Maldives.

The Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi affirmed this in a press conference on Thursday.

The Indian cabinet has approved to establish a consulate in Addu City recently however, official works can only begin with the decision of the Maldivian government. 

Previously, the Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said that the government had not made a decision.

He said that diplomatic relations between nations meant that dialogue has to be held between the nations if such a request is made.  

The spokesman said, while he did not wish to comment on media reports, there were no arguments between the Maldivian government and India over the matter of the consulate.

"A consulate or a post is always opened, after discussing with the host nation," said Bagchi. 

However, a strikingly high number of people have criticized the move, saying that the establishment of a consulate in Addu was a ploy by India to increase its influence on the Maldives.