A day after the sudden change of regime in Maldives following turmoil, the Prime Minister, Mr Manmohan Singh, on Wednesday reached out to the new President Mr Mohamed Waheed expressing India's “continued support” to him.

Mr Singh wrote a letter to Mr Waheed, who took over after Mr Mohamed Nashed stepped down in the face of widespread protests.

The Prime Minister said that as a “close and friendly neighbour” India will, “as always, continue to support the Maldivian people's efforts to build a stable, peaceful and prosperous country.”

Noting that the two countries share a common destiny and have common security interests, he told Mr Waheed that “India is committed to working with you and the Government in Maldives to further enhance our close, bilateral cooperation to mutual benefit and for the continued security, progress and prosperity of our two countries.”