Mariya: Debt is a threat to national security

National debt is a threat to national security, says Defense Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi.

Mariya made the remark during her address at the 10th International Meeting of High-Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters underway in Russia.

In her address, Mariya said that the change in times has led to new and alarming threats.

She said that climate change, piracy, and national debt were new threats which posed a challenge to economic and social development of countries.

Mariya said that threats to the health and security of citizens were ultimately national security threats. She stressed on the need for international cooperation to tackle such new national security threats.

Mariya’s remark about national debt posing a security threat comes after former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed recently repeated his allegation the Chinese government had set a debt trap on Maldives.

The current administration, after it assumed power in late 2018, has adopted an India first policy. India approved a USD 800 million (MVR 12.4 billion) credit facility to Maldives this year.