GMR issue raised with Malaysia

At the end of the two-day Asean-India Commemorative summit, external affairs minister Salman Khurshid told mediapersons, "The matter (regarding GMR) was mentioned when the Malaysian Prime minister Najib Tun Razak met with Prime minister Singh."

Responding to a question, Khurshid said India had asked for "an update" on Malaysia's side of the issue, adding, "Singapore court's ruling on the issue is binding on all parties.''

The Malaysian foreign minister had visited the Maldives earlier this month to discuss the issue.

On Dec 6, the Singapore High Court, which is acting as arbitrator in the matter, had given a ruling in favour of the Maldives government. The Maldives government has asked GMIAL to vacate and remove all property from the airport within 30 days.

GMR is now seeking follow-up on the compensation and damages, the external affairs minister said.

The Malaysian government-owned MAHB holds 23 per cent while Indian construction major GMR holds 77 per cent stake in the joint venture GMR Male International Airport Pvt Ltd, which was formed to develop the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Male.

The Maldives government had scrapped the $500 million deal with GMR on Nov 27, leading to India voicing concern over the step and calling on the Maldives to ensure the safety and security of Indian people and business in the archipelago nation.

The deal had been inked in 2010 by the earlier government of

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