Maldives in India: Former Defence Minister Addresses Social Media Controversy

Former Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi addresses the recent social media controversy between the Maldives and India, highlighting the misrepresentation of the Maldives and emphasizing their welcoming attitude towards foreign visitors.

The Maldives has recently gained attention in India, particularly on social media, for reasons that former Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi deems incorrect. Her comments come in response to a recent controversy sparked by social media posts made by a minister and other leaders in the Maldives following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Lakshadweep archipelago.

Addressing Misconceptions and Welcoming Visitors

Didi expressed her concern about the negative portrayal of the Maldives in India, emphasizing that the Maldivian people are welcoming and appreciate foreign visitors. She stated, "The Maldives has been famous in India for the wrong reasons, I would say especially on social media. We are not people like that. We love foreigners visiting our country, and we welcome you all to the Maldives."

Strategic Importance of the Maldives

Didi highlighted the strategic significance of the Maldives, despite its relatively small size. She explained that although the Maldives covers an area of approximately 54,000 square kilometers, comparable to France, 99% of its territory consists of water. She emphasized the importance of stability in the region due to the presence of four major sea lines of communication that pass through or near the Maldives.

India's Role as a First Responder

Didi acknowledged India's prompt assistance during times of crisis in the Maldives. She recalled the Asian Tsunami as an instance when India was the first to respond, providing much-needed support. She also mentioned the impact of the Tsunami on the Maldives, which resulted in changes to the sea bed, the disappearance of some islands, and the emergence of new ones, necessitating updates to hydrographic charts.

The Importance of International Cooperation

Didi stressed the significance of international cooperation and being part of the global community. She emphasized the need to prevent major incidents such as oil spills or chemical spills, highlighting India's assistance in the case of the oil spill in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka. She stated, "As part of the global world, you know, we have to understand and be part of the international community. Make sure that we maintain stability in the region, make sure the Indian Ocean is conflict free."

Maintaining Regional Peace and Stability

Didi expressed her hope that the Maldives would continue to maintain peaceful relations with its neighbors and the international community, as it had done during her government's tenure. She concluded by saying, "We have managed to maintain peace in the region and we hope that things will be so."