Maldives’ Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has stated that those critical of India-Maldives relations are threatened due to the numerous development projects being implemented with India’s assistance. The minister made the statement while speaking at a ceremony held to mark the completion of installation of streetlights in M. Kolhufushi, a project implemented with Indian assistance.

In his remarks, the minister said both countries share a close, ‘heart-to-heart’ relationship. Referring to the ‘India Out’ social media campaign currently gaining momentum on social media, the minister said it is those who cannot process the implementation of such projects with Indian assistance that are organizing such petitions.

‘The relationship between Maldives and India is special. The relations between both countries are that between the citizens of both countries. Citizens of both countries are connected at heart, and we acknowledge that. It is those that cannot accept the close relationship that are dejected by the developmental projects they are witnessing. To say in modern terms, they simply cannot ‘digest’ the fact. We will not standby [and let their words affect us],’ said the minister.

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