Authors
Vasudha Beri
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
India bought 28 islands from Maldives.
Fact
No evidence of such a purchase. Inauguration of Indian-funded projects in 28 Maldivian islands has been misconstrued.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently concluded a three-day-visit to Maldives, marking the first high-level trip from New Delhi since the political row between the two nations, and Mohamed Muizzu, considered to be pro-China, assumed the Maldivian President’s office.
In this backdrop, several social media users, including verified handles, claimed that India has “bought” 28 islands from the archipelagic state. Newschecker, however, found the claim to be untrue.
Multiple X and Facebook users claimed, “India bought 28 islands from Maldives. Maldives handover its 28 Islands to India. President Muizzu himself signed the agreement.” Calling it “The magic of 50 metres walk on Lakshadweep beach and one tweet,” referring to the Prime Minister’s visit to a beach on Indian island earlier this year.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Also Read: Video Shows Forced Conversion Of Hindus In Bangladesh? No, Clip Is Of Muslim Students Offering Prayers Amid Protests
Fact Check/Verification
A keyword search for “India,” “28 islands” and “Maldives” on Google did not yield any credible report stating that the Modi government has “bought” any territory from the archipelagic country.
It, however, threw up multiple reports about the inauguration of India funded water and sanitation project in Maldives. One such report by PTI, dated August 10, 2024, stated, “External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday handed over to the Maldives a massive water and sanitation project worth approximately Rs 923 crore (USD 110 million) funding from India at 28 islands covering seven per cent of the population of the archipelagic nation.”
“The Water and Sanitation Projects on 28 islands, commissioned under the Indian Line of Credit Facility by the Exim Bank of India, were described by Jaishankar as the ‘largest climate adaptation implemented in the Maldives with international collaboration,’ “it added.
A press release by the Ministry of External Affairs on Jaishankar’s recent visit to Maldives also stated, “At the President’s Office, EAM and Foreign Minister jointly inaugurated, in the presence of President Muizzu, India’s Line of Credit (LoC)-assisted project of water and sewerage network in 28 islands of Maldives.”
The “virtual inauguration of Water and Sanitation Projects in 28 Islands of Maldives” was also streamed on the official YouTube channel of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on august 10, 2024. “Official Handover of the Water and Sewerage Facilities in 28 Islands, with the assistance of Government of India, financed through Line of Credit facility by the EXIM Bank of India,” stated the display screen at the event.
“It is really a great pleasure today to be at the President’s Office in Maldives for the virtual inauguration and handing over of the Water and Sanitation Projects in 28 islands, commissioned under the Indian Line of Credit in the august presence of the President,” said Jaishankar at the Inauguration of Water & Sanitation Project in Maldives, as per a MEA release.
Also Read: Viral Video Claiming To Show Remains Of Prisoners In Bangladesh Is Actually From France
Jaishankar shared video highlights of his “productive visit to Maldives,” which too did not mention striking a deal to buy any islands from the country.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 12, 2024Concluded a productive visit to Maldives!
Living up to the message of our ties: ‘Imagined by Maldives, Delivered by India’.
🇮🇳 🇲🇻Somehighlights: pic.twitter.com/RmdM3WLSoj
Notably, the Indian government through EXIM Bank’s Line of Credit (LoC) facility has commissioned multiple development projects in Maldives such as this and this. Such LoCs “enable Indian exporters to enter new geographies or expand their business in existing export markets without any payment risk from overseas importers.”
Mohamed Muizzu, the President of Maldives, also announced the handover of the project in an X post, dated August 10, 2024. “It was a pleasure to meet @DrSJaishankar today and join him in the official handover of water and sewerage projects in 28 islands of the Maldives…,” he said.
A release by the Maldivian President’s office regarding the same further listed the names of all the 28 facilities that were handed over during the event. These include Ha. Kelaa Water Supply facilities, Sh. Funadhoo Water Supply facilities, N. Manadhoo Water Supply facilities, AA. Thoddoo Sewerage facilities among others.
Also Read: Bangladesh Crisis – Girl Seen Humiliated In Viral Video Is Not Hindu
Conclusion
Hence, the inauguration of India-funded water and sanitation projects in Maldives has been misconstrued as the Modi government buying 28 islands from the archipelago.
Result: False
Sources
Report By PTI, Dated August 10, 2024
Release By MEA, Dated August 10, 2024
YouTube Video By MEA, India, Dated August 10, 2024
Release By MEA, Dated August 11, 2024
X Post By Mohamed Muizzu, Dated August 10, 2024
Release By The President’s Office, Maldives, Dated August 10, 2024
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Authors
Vasudha Beri
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
