Maldives Third-Way Democrats (MTD) has stated former President Abdulla Yameen is leading the India Out campaign in order to stop foreign aid and investments during the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a press release, MTD stated Yameen's administration had worked to strengthen relations with India and that he had taken numerous trips to the neighbouring country to strengthen ties. MTD noted that the first official trip Yameen had taken as the president was to India and that he had taken the initiative to sign the defence agreement with the country to bring in a new helicopter and Dornier aircraft.
The party stated Yameen abruptly began the India Out campaign due to his displeasure in seeing India's continuing assistance to the Maldives and that his wish is to create distrust and reverse his own work to strengthen diplomatic ties. The party also highlighted that Yameen has refused to assist the government in any way to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, MTD stated Yameen has expressed admiration for Singapore but is ignorant of the fact that small countries such as Singapore and the UAE are built on a balanced foreign policy with strong defence partnerships.
The party stated that Yameen has failed to give hope to citizens and that his only agenda is to create fear and distrust through the India Out campaign.