Maldives, India Denounce Leaked Letter as ‘Fake,’ Aimed at Straining Relations

The Maldives government and the Indian High Commission in Male' have denounced a fake letter circulating on social media, allegedly from India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. The letter discussed leasing land for an MNDF Coastguard harbour at Uthuru Thilafalhu, a US$550 million line of credit for 11 UAVs, and 99-year leases of land in Hanimaadhoo and Gan. Both governments condemned the letter as a malicious attempt to strain bilateral relations. The Indian High Commission called on Maldivian authorities to investigate and prevent misinformation. The episode is seen in the context of upcoming presidential elections.

The Maldives government and the Indian High Commission in Male' have denounced a fake letter circulating on social media, allegedly from India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. The letter discussed leasing land for an MNDF Coastguard harbour at Uthuru Thilafalhu, a US$550 million line of credit for 11 UAVs, and 99-year leases of land in Hanimaadhoo and Gan. Both governments condemned the letter as a malicious attempt to strain bilateral relations. The Indian High Commission called on Maldivian authorities to investigate and prevent misinformation. The episode is seen in the context of upcoming presidential elections.

The Maldives government and the Indian High Commission in Male' have denounced a fake letter circulating on social media, allegedly from India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. The letter discussed leasing land for an MNDF Coastguard harbour at Uthuru Thilafalhu, a US$550 million line of credit for 11 UAVs, and 99-year leases of land in Hanimaadhoo and Gan. Both governments condemned the letter as a malicious attempt to strain bilateral relations. The Indian High Commission called on Maldivian authorities to investigate and prevent misinformation. The episode is seen in the context of upcoming presidential elections.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of disinformation / diplomacy.