The Indian High Commission in the Maldives claims that some local media outlets have been disseminating "fake reports" with the aim of intimidating and harassing mission representatives and the expatriate population there.
“These fake reports are designed to create a climate of hate and fear among the Maldivian public with the intention to adversely affect the friendly relations between India and Maldives,” a press statement issued by the high commission said.
The High Commission noted that the relationship between India and Maldives was based on mutual trust and respect. “Such irresponsible acts by motivated ‘mediapersons’ peddling agenda-driven fake reports need to be condemned in the strongest terms,” the Indian High Commission said. “We also call upon the Maldivian authorities to investigate such instances of fake news circulation which are being brazenly carried out in the name of journalism.”
It is, however, not clear as to which “fake reports” the Indian High Commission is referring to. The statement by the Indian Embassy came a day after Maldivian Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer denied reports claiming that he had met with the Indian High Commissioner in the Maldives to seek a loan of 3 billion Maldivian Rufiyaa (nearly £162 million) from New Delhi, according to the media.
Ameer categorically denied any such meeting or loan request made to India by the Maldivian government.
Elections for president are now taking place in the Maldives. The second round of voting will take place on September 30 after the first round on September 9 was completed.
