Former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb took to X to express his appreciation for the Maldivian Foreign Minister’s assurances that the ‘India Out’ campaign is not connected to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration but is led by Former President Abdulla Yameen. Adeeb stated, “Since January 2024, I’ve been informing my contacts in India and the Indian media that this so-called ‘India Out’ campaign was initiated by Former President Yameen due to his Indophobic tendencies. I am grateful to Maldives Foreign Minister Dr. Khaleel for the official clarification and assurance that it has no ties with President Muizzu’s government.”
In a recent interview with Wion News during his official visit to India, Maldives Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel emphasized the government’s position against anti-India activities, making it clear that the contentious ‘India Out’ campaign is driven by former President Abdulla Yameen and lacks support from the current administration. Minister Khaleel reaffirmed the government’s dedication to strengthening the longstanding relationship between Maldives and India, stating, “We are focused on moving forward, leaving past incidents behind. The ‘India Out’ movement was initiated by a former president who is not part of the government but stands in opposition.”
Diplomatic relations between India and Maldives experienced tension when President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, elected in November 2023, requested the withdrawal of nearly 90 Indian military personnel operating three aviation platforms gifted by India. India complied by May 10, replacing military personnel with civilians to manage a Dornier aircraft and two helicopters. Subsequent tensions arose in January 2024 when three deputy ministers from the Youth Ministry made derogatory social media posts about Prime Minister Modi, prompting a boycott campaign against Maldivian tourism.
