Dr. Rafiyya: ‘India out’ is useless political propaganda

The deputy leader of Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) Dr. Aishath Rafiyya has described the ‘IndiaOut’ activities as a useless political propaganda. 

The remarks were made criticizing the continued activities in support of the allegations that Indian military was based in different parts of the  country, and that India was interfering with internal affairs of Maldives. 

Noting that although it has been over a year to the claims, Dr. Rafiyya said that it remains unclear what the “influence” imposed by India on Maldives was.

Additionally, she said that sending military personnel to other countries and having them stationed was not unique to India. 

“It’s been over year to the chants of ‘IndiaOut’. Till today, while calls for India to go out are being made, through figures it’s has not been shown how many Indian military personnel are in Maldives, and questions such as the extent of their interference with our internal affairs or even if they are interfering remains unanswered.”

She said that even Maldivian military have stayed in countries such as India and America, but this has not been a threat to National security. Instead, she described this as a diplomatic move under bilateral relations to strengthen national security. 

“A defense attaché will be based in New Delhi, India. Even in Trivandrum and Colombo. We have sent to the countries of our interest, as much as we are able to afford.”

Furthermore, Dr. Rafiyya said that Maldives needed the support of other nations to enhance security measures, and hence, training programs are carried out in joint ventures with countries such as India and America. 

She also noted that Maldives cannot exist isolated from any country, and that doing so would only hurt the locals living there. 

“It is a direct political propaganda, targeted to put pressure on India. To be honest some thought they might be safe by pressuring India. But the whole campaign has blown up on them.”

Highlighting the India has assisted in gaining and maintaining the sovereignty of Maldives, Dr. Rafiyya criticized the campaign against India.