Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail has said that he does not believe that the "India Out" campaign led by opposition leader Former President Abdulla Yameen will stop the current aid provided to Maldives, but that more assistance might not be received from India.
Fayyaz told the Parliament's National Security Committee that the "India Out" campaign was an irresponsible political activity and that this was an event organized by some to undermine The Maldives-India relations.
"If the relationship with our neighbors deteriorates, it is likely that the sovereignty will be affected. The Indian Ocean is a strategic location to the world and is eyed by everyone. It is very likely that they will try to influence matters in this region and deteriorate the interests of the Indian Ocean," said the Minister.
He also said that Maldives and India have a close economic relationship and that the country has given special quotas to the Maldives for a number of items that cannot be exported, including goods that depend on a large part of the food security of the country.
"We don't have the capacity to produce them in our country. We are working to facilitate a lot of things. But I don't know how long it will take to do that," said the Minister.
The Maldives has been guaranteed three years of goods at any given time. He also noted that India has also given a special quota to bring in construction materials for development projects.
Fayyaz said the equipment could be brought in from countries other than India which would cost a lot more money.
"We need to think before we take action. It's dangerous to do something like this for a temporary political purpose. Even if it's political this might escalate”.
He said that it is already having a negative impact. He did not provide any details.
At today's meeting, Deputy Leader of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and Guraidhoo MP Ghassan Maumoon asked whether the "India Out" campaign will affect the close relationship between the two countries even if this campaign is not an initiative of the government.
Fayyaz said that even if the Indian government does not stop its assistance, it might affect the benefits received due to the impact on the close relationship between both countries.
He said the "India Out" campaign poses an unnecessary threat.
Higher ups from the Foreign Ministry were also summoned to the committee before Minister Fayyaz who also spoke of concerns about the campaign.
Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen, who was found guilty of money laundering and sentenced to five years in prison, has been released from prison. Since then, the "India Out" event has been expanded in the islands as well. The Education Ministry has stated that the result of this campaign has increased the harassment of Indian teachers and they are in a state of fear.
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