Current Affairs

Issue

India High Commission in Maldives has asked authorities to take action against various social media posts that degraded dignity of the High Commission and diplomats.

 

Background

A letter written from the High Commission had been leaked recently, which had highlighted that such incidence would impact mutual relationships.

 

Details

• The letter caused uproar in political circles and the government was forced to reply to the letter. It expressed concern over malicious campaign against Indian diplomats.

• A specific publication known as Dhiyares was pointed out to be at the centre of the incident. It was accused of anti-India campaign through political motivation.

 

Anti-India protests

• A specific event had started some time ago known as ‘India Out’ campaign. It started on ground and later spread to social media platforms.

• Some participants in the campaign say that it was for removing Indian military presence from the country and not violent clashes with India.

• The campaign was nearly a decade old when Abdulla Yameen was the President. There were widespread anti-India protests as the government was pro-China.

 

The origin

• The issue originated when India gifted two Dhruv helicopters for humanitarian and rescue operations. Some in anti-Indian circles portrayed it as militarization.

• The Yameen government had asked India to take back the helicopters which India refused. This was the reason for the controversy.

• The defence agreements signed between the new Maldivian government and India have not been made public. This has further fuelled the protests.