India, our closest ally & trusted neighbour: Maldivian govt condemns its opposition for anti-India demonstrations, mocking PM Modi
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Male, July 01: The Maldivian government on Friday lashed out at the country’s Opposition for carrying out anti-India demonstrations and mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the day of Eid Al- Adha.
"The Government of Maldives strongly condemns the disrespectful act by the opposition using face masks depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the demonstrations held yesterday, and further denounces the attempts to spread false information through various platforms, using the so-called “India Out” slogan," a press release read.
In a statement, it said, "Such dishonourable acts by the opposition regarding one of Maldives’ key bilateral partners and its leadership during Eid Al- Adha festivities, a time of peace joy and harmony, does not only provoke hatred, but also promote hostility with the objective of tarnishing the country’s long-standing cordial ties with India."
The Maldivian government added, "The strong bilateral relationship between the Maldives and India is based on shared historical and cultural ties, matched by dynamic people to people contact. India has always been the Maldives’ closest ally and trusted neighbour, extending constant and consistent support to the people of Maldives on all fronts."
Statement by the Government of Maldives Condemning the Opposition’s misuse of Eid-Al-Adha festivities to provoke hatred using “India Out” slogan
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇲🇻 (@MoFAmv) June 30, 2023
📃 Press Release | https://t.co/Cxv9XzI1wi pic.twitter.com/QkcYHlm6bL
It highlighted the long-standing ties between both nations and hailed PM Modi’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and expressed its commitment to ‘India First’ policy.
"The Government of Maldives urges all parties to act responsibly and refrain from such disrespectful acts and spreading false information that undermines the country’s relations with its neighbours and the international community," it concluded.
This came a day after the Opposition carried out an anti-India demonstration in the country and raised the contentious ‘India out’ slogans. On Thursday (June 29), a march was conducted in Maldives wherein protestors were seen wearing masks of PM Modi, alongside a garland of slippers.
The ‘India Out’ campaign began in 2020 with Opposition protesting against Indian government, and became a "hastag campaign". The campaign is led by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.