President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih has denied making any agreements with the GMR Group.
Speaking to the press after his first official trip abroad since assuming office, the president said that the Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao (GMR) Group took part in the investment forum as an Indian company.
The president and his delegation held a one-day forum with investors and CEOs of Indian companies during his three-day visit to India. Members of the opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) accused the government of planning to handover a Maldivian airport to GMR after photos of GMR officials at the forum were circulated on social media.
During the administration of Mr Mohamed Nasheed, Velana International Airport, the country’s main international airport, had been privatized and handed over to GMR’s management. Current President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih was the leader of MDP’s parliamentary group at the time. The controversial agreement was terminated during President Mohamed Waheed Hasan Manik’s administration.
