Hyderabad, Jan. 9 -- The Malidive-India row following the derogatory remarks made on social media platform by three Maldivian ministers has to be handled with extreme care diplomatically.

It is a time when India must maintain its dignity with firmness and put sufficient pressure on the Maldives so that such actions are not repeated in future but at the same time must see to it that the Indo-Maldivian relationship is not hampered to a great extent.

This is primarily important because Maldives in the Indian Ocean is crucial from a geo-political and strategic point to India in its defence and foreign relations.

India cannot disturb its close friendly relations with the Maldives, particularly in view of the fact that China has been eyeing ...