The Maldives government has on Friday, strongly rejected the alleged reports of plan stating that in exchange of financial assistance and other material benefits, Indian government has offered $1 billion to Maldives in order to generate Indian troops in Maldives’ island.
Minister of foreign affairs Abdulla Shahid said there’s not going to be any kind of establishment of any country’s military bases in our island nation.
In a tweet, Shahid wrote: “Categorically refute media reports alleging that government is planning to allow the establishment of an Indian military base in Maldives in exchange for financial assistance or other material benefits. It is baseless and aimed at discrediting the government as it starts to rebuild good relations with its neighbours and the rest of the international community.”
Shahid further wrote: “Government assures the people that it will always act in the national interest of Maldives and will not undertake any international engagement that will compromise the sovereignty and independence of the country.”
Japanese Daily, NIKKIE Asian Review, has published this false news in their article, which Shahid was strongly opposing and reacting alleging reports which has stated India has offered $1 billion to Maldives for the establishment of Indian military bases in Maldives’ island.
During his recent visit to New Delhi, Shahid had a meeting with Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman, where they have talked about bilateral ties between the two countries.
Newly elected Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is scheduled on December 7, to visit India with his “India-First” policy.