The government has today issued a strongly worded statement that condemns the spread of false information using the “India Out” slogan.
In the statement, the government said that the Maldives strongly rejects attempts to spread false information through media and across social media platforms, using the so-called “India Out” slogan, alleging that bilateral cooperation between the Governments of Maldives and India undermines the national security and sovereignty of Maldives.
It said that the government reaffirms the country’s long-standing ties with all its international partners are based on principles of mutual respect and understanding, and in accordance with respective national and international law.
It said that such interactions in the international sphere do not, and will not undermine the Maldives' independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The government said that it believes that false allegations regarding ties with one of the country’s key bilateral partners are misguided and unsubstantiated.
It also said that these views are not the sentiments of the general public, but rather that of a small group of individuals with the objective of tarnishing the country’s long-standing cordial ties with India.
The statement read that the strong bilateral relationship between the Maldives and India is based on shared historical and cultural ties, matched by dynamic people-to-people contact.
The government went on to say that addressing the ever-growing threats of trans-border terrorism, piracy, narco-trafficking as well as non-traditional security threats such as climate change, cyber security, and human trafficking, requires the support and cooperation of all regional and international partners.
It added that no one country alone can address these issues on its own.
The government urged all parties to act responsibly, and refrain from spreading false information that undermines the country’s relations with its neighbors, and the international community.
It also urged media outlets to fully commit to professional standards of journalism in reporting such information.
The government went on to highlight the many times India had come to the aid of the Maldives and added that India will always remain a true and trusted friend of the people of the Maldives.
