We condemn the very irresponsible statement by former Member of Parliament of India Subramanian Swamy.

Making such statements to instill hatred between the people of Maldives and India is irresponsible, reckless and immature.

The Maldives-India relationship has thrived since time-immemorial, based on mutual respect and people-to-people relations.

We do not believe that this kind of narrative deserves further consideration. It should be dealt with the disdain it merits. We call on Swamy to refrain from settling domestic political scores using the Maldives.

Recent comments made by President Muizzu and his officials have constrained the age old friendship between the Maldives and India and provided opportunity for unsavoury characters to further tarnish the situation.