Senior Maldivian journalists have met the Indian High Commissioner to Male, Manu Mahawar, and held discussions for seeking assistance in training and other educational opportunities for Maldivian journalists in India. The envoy assured them of India’s continued support for the archipelago’s media.

Representatives of the Maldives Media Council (MMC), a union of local journalists, on Tuesday, held discussions with Mahawar about “the possibility of training and skill development opportunities for Maldivian journalists in Indian educational institutes.” 

“Discussion was on seeking the kind assistance in sending Maldivian journalists to India for training and skill development and to also explore the possibilities of inviting specialists from Indian educational institutes to visit the Maldives to conduct training programs,” read a statement released by Maldives Media Council on its Facebook page. 
 
They also sought assistance for long and short-term courses and scholarships. Mahawar assured the delegation and said he would also try to make arrangements for online training programs and cooperation between the Press Council of India and MMC. 

No statement was released by the Indian High Commission on the meeting.

Significantly, the timing of meeting with a media representative is crucial. It came at a time when a section of the Maldivian media, probably politically motivated,  has become extremely hostile towards India, fueling rumors and fanning the “India Out campaign”  of former president Abdulla Yameen. 

A few months back, the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the “malicious” propaganda originating from a section of media, which could harm the archipelago’s relations with “friendly countries.”    

(SAM)