New Delhi, March 11 -- Mariya Didi, former Maldives Defence Minister, highlighted that the Maldives' location on vital sea lanes makes it strategically sensitive as the geopolitical situation in West Asia remains highly volatile.

The conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, has entered its 12th day, with military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran expanding across the region.

Speaking with ANI, she called for South Asian nations to "talk as one" and collaborate with partners like India to maintain regional stability, moving away from insular foreign policy slogans.

"It's pouring times for all of us. As you know, the Maldives lies in some important sea links of communication, and it intersects in the Maldives. It...