Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed security has been strengthened at the High Commission of India and the Embassy of China following reports of threats.
In a press statement, the foreign ministry stated the two missions had requested that security be strengthened at the buildings following reports of threats being circulated on social media.
The ministry stated national security services have now strengthened security at the two buildings.
Furthermore, the ministry added that spreading news and information that shed a negative light on foreign missions in the Maldives only contributes to deteriorating the years of close relations between those countries. The ministry also stated deteriorating foreign relations would cause harm to Maldivians due to the decrease of businesses opportunities and the lack of tourist visits.
Under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the Maldives government is responsible for safeguarding the diplomats and diplomatic missions in the country.
Therefore, the foreign ministry urged media outlets to refrain from publishing false information that creates hate and outrage in the public and threatens to damage the country's relations between foreign countries.