Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi has stated the bilateral relations established with India have benefitted the Maldives in multiple aspects.
In a tweet posted on September 1, Minister Mariya said India has been a strong and formidable partner to the Maldives over the years. In this regard, the minister acknowledged the role of India in maintaining the sovereignty of the Maldives following the terrorist attack on November 3, 1988. She also highlighted the relief supplied by India during the 2014 water crisis in Male’ City, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The defence minister further stated she cannot be intellectually dishonest about the actual facts of the relations between the Maldives and India. As such, she noted the relations have benefitted the Maldives economically, socially and for the strengthening of the country’s sovereignty.
The tweet by Defence Minister Mariya was retweeted and quoted by the High Commission of India in the Maldives. The Indian High Commission thanked the defence minister for the kind words, and affirmed India will always stand with the Maldives through thick and thin, just as close neighbours and friends do.
The remarks by the defence minister have come following criticism on social media regarding the efforts of the government to enhance ties with India.