Former President of the Maldives and opposition leader Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom has called on Maldivian nationals not to enter into business deals with Indian nationals. He made the request while speaking at an 'India Out' event held at ADH. Mahibadhoo on Friday.
Spearheaded by Yameen, the 'India Out' movement seeks to send back Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. Speaking at the rally held under the campaign in Mahibadhoo, Yameen said an agreement is in place between the Maldives government and the Indian government in the name of protecting business and trade. The deal paves opportunities to Indian businesses, and focuses on assuring their rights, said Yameen.
According to Yameen, as per the agreement, if any dispute occurs in a business agreement between a Maldivian and an Indian national, the issue may be tried in an Indian Court. However, the agreement restricts Indian nationals from being summoned to Maldivian courts, he said, warning against entering into contracts with Indians.
Describing the presence of Indian military personnel in the Maldives as a 'nuisance' and a woe, Yameen said even if the Maldives has a Maldivian national as President, the true power of the government does not lie with the State. He said the country is run according to instructions given by the Indian Ambassador in the Maldives.
The former President said it is time to expand the India Out movement further, and said action must be taken against India's meddling in the Maldives' internal affairs and foreign policies.
