Yameen Invites WION for Interview Following Minister’s Remarks on ‘India Out’ Campaign
Photo: The President’s Office
Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom has extended an invitation to Indian media outlet WION for an interview, following recent comments made by Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel regarding the ‘India Out’ campaign.
The campaign, which was spearheaded by the opposition party PPM-PNC during its time in opposition, called for the removal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives.
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Former Maldives President Abdulla Yameen has invited WION to visit the country and do an in-person interview
This comes after the recent interview of Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, in which Maldives govt distanced itself from the "India out" movement and said that it… pic.twitter.com/0ndaSK2fSQ— WION (@WIONews) January 6, 2025
In an exclusive interview with WION during his official visit to India, Minister Khaleel stated that the ‘India Out’ movement was led by Yameen. He also emphasised that the former president has now distanced himself from the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) and the People’s National Congress (PNC), forming his own political group, the People’s National Front (PNF), and actively opposing the current government.
Mohamed Maleeh Jamal, former Minister of Technology and a close ally of Yameen, announced the invitation on X, revealing that Yameen had invited WION for an in-person interview in the Maldives. WION has acknowledged the invitation, noting they have requested the possibility of arranging an online interview in the near future.
In his remarks, Minister Khaleel addressed the ongoing tensions between the current government and Yameen, highlighting President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to strengthening ties with India.
The ‘India Out’ campaign, which gained momentum under PPM-PNC’s leadership, sought the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the country. Yameen, a prominent figure in the movement, participated in various campaign activities, including visiting islands while wearing ‘India Out’ t-shirts.
The current administration has made the removal of Indian troops a central electoral promise. Despite the government’s assertion that this pledge has been fulfilled, Yameen maintains that Indian troops remain in the country, claiming the public has been misled on the issue.
