'India Out' movement declared a threat to national security

The opposition's 'India Out' campaign has been declared a threat to national security by the Maldives government.

A Presidential Decree signed and issued by the President on Thursday said the National Security Council had decided that the India Out movement was detrimental to national security. The decree further said the campaign would negatively impact the age-old friendship between Maldives and India and regional security and stability. It also said the campaign violated all international treaties.

The President further noted that the campaign could cost the Maldives its peace and stability and cause severe economic and social challenges. The movement could result in the Maldives being isolated from the international area and affect bilateral relations with other countries while also causing threats to the country's independence and sovereignty, the decree said.

The President instructed relevant authorities to enforce the order to stop the movement and its activities.

Spearheaded by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom, the opposition is carrying out an 'India Out' campaign to drive out Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. The movement has gained momentum in recent months, especially in the atolls. Despite assurances by the government that India poses no risk to the Maldives, the opposition continues to assert that India exerts undue influence on the Maldives and threatens national security and the country's independence.