FACT CHECK: Has the Maldives Handed Over Its 28 Islands to India?

Claim: Social media is abuzz with claims that the Maldives has transferred 28 of its islands to India.

Fact: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has officially denied these allegations, confirming that the information circulating online is entirely false and misleading.

Analysis:

1. The Rumor: A claim surfaced on social media, suggesting that India had acquired 28 islands from the Maldives. These rumors coincided with the recent visit of India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, to the Maldives.

2. Background: This misinformation began spreading during Minister Jaishankar’s three-day diplomatic visit to the Maldives. This visit was notable as it was the first official visit from India since Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, assumed the presidency of the Maldives.

3. How the False Information Spread: The rumors were amplified on social media, with several verified accounts claiming that India had “purchased” 28 islands from the Maldives. It was wrongly suggested that this deal was signed by President Muizzu. Some posts even tried to connect this baseless claim to an earlier visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Lakshadweep, insinuating that the visit was related to the alleged island transfer.

4. MEA’s Clarification: The Ministry of External Affairs quickly addressed these rumors, stating unequivocally that the claims were unfounded and designed to mislead the public. The MEA confirmed that no such agreement or deal has been made between India and the Maldives.

Conclusion: The allegation that the Maldives handed over 28 islands to India is entirely false. The Ministry of External Affairs has officially debunked this claim, reiterating that the stories spreading online are nothing more than fabricated misinformation.