New Delhi, March 11 -- Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed on Wednesday warned that the ongoing conflict in West Asia could have serious economic consequences for small island states like the Maldives, particularly due to declining tourism and rising fuel prices and said that India could play a key role in de-escalating tensions, given its strong ties with the major actors involved in the conflict.

Speaking to ANI, Nasheed said the conflict could disrupt the country's fragile economic stability. "Tourist arrivals have come down. So that is going to have a very big impact on our economy and the prosperity of the people. So, yes, it is very, very difficult," he added.

He also expressed concern over the broader security implications ...