Maldives today reaffirmed its special and close ties with India. Following India's assurance of continued support and cooperation by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh early in the day, the new President of Maldives, Dr. Mohammed Waheed talked to Dr. Singh over phone and said, he was committed to upholding the Constitution of that country and the rule of law.

The Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to the President and said that India, as always, stands ready to provide any support or assistance that the people of the Maldives might require.

President Waheed said that he looked forward to an early opportunity of meeting the Prime Minister. Dr. Singh said that he looked forward to such a meeting which would give both sides an opportunity to discuss further strengthening of bilateral cooperation.

Dr. Singh conveyed his good wishes to the people of Maldives for peace, prosperity and stability in the country.

AIR Correspondent reports that President Nasheed announced his resignation yesterday after weeks of public protests over his order to arrest a senior judge, who had ordered release of a government critic, and handed over the power to his Vice President Mohammed Waheed Hassan. India had yesterday described the change of regime in Maldives due to protests, as an internal matter of the country and said that it is watching the emerging situation in that country.