Claim: India has bought 28 islands from the Maldives for Rs 923 crore, described as a significant achievement of the Modi government.
Verdict: False
What Did Viral Posts Say? Several social media users have claimed that India has purchased 28 islands from the Maldives for Rs 923 crore. This claim gained traction after Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S Jaishankar’s visit to the Maldives, where he met President Mohammed Muizzu. A Facebook user named Markandey Pandey posted on August 12, stating that India made this deal and that the Maldives President handed over the islands to India, praising Prime Minister Modi for his support.
Fact Check: Fact Check India’s team investigated this viral post. By searching the keywords, it was found that Dr. S Jaishankar did visit the Maldives from August 9-11. However, the claim about buying islands is misleading.
What Actually Happened? During the visit, Dr. S Jaishankar and President Muizzu discussed the official handover of water and sewerage projects in 28 islands of the Maldives. President Muizzu thanked the Government of India and Prime Minister Modi for their support in these projects, which are part of a broader cooperation in security, development, and cultural exchange.
Conclusion: The viral claim that India bought 28 islands from the Maldives is false. The truth is that India has been assisting the Maldives with water and sanitation projects on these islands, not purchasing them.
For Social Media Buffs
Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information that is unintentionally spread. It can occur due to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or errors. Misinformation is often shared innocently, without malicious intent.
Examples of misinformation include:
- Rumors: Spreading unverified stories or claims.
- Mistaken Identity: Incorrectly attributing an event or statement to the wrong person.
- Outdated Information: Sharing facts that were once true but have since changed.