Friday
22nd Nov 2024
Dhivehi Edition
President Solih with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photo: President’s Office
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has characterized the grassroots “India Out” movement as “politically irresponsible”.
The India Out movement, started by Maldivian young people on social media, calls for the removal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives.
He mentioned this in an email interview he gave “The Hindu” newspaper, based in India. When asked about the India Out movement, President Solih responded that while he was open to criticism about foreign policy; “politically-motivated” activities that would threaten international ties are “irresponsible”.
He mentioned that he was very pleased with the close ties between India and the Maldives and cited the aid given by India as evidence of that closeness.
While the president criticized the India Out movement, the government has also refused to disclose any information about the number of Indian troops currently present in the Maldives as well as the financial costs incurred by the government as a result. Our sister-newspaper, Dhiyares, has appealed the government’s non-disclosure at the High Court.