The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has labeled a social media post claiming that the Maldives “handed over” 28 islands to India as “misleading and fake.” This clarification comes following the recent visit of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to the Maldives from August 9 to 11.
The MEA responded to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by a user named “Baba Banaras @RealBababanaras,” which falsely stated that President Mohamed Muizzu signed an agreement to hand over the islands to India. The MEA asserted, “On record Fact Check: This headline is misleading and fake.”
During his visit, EAM Jaishankar inaugurated completed water supply and sewerage facilities across 28 islands in the Maldives, a project funded by India’s Line of Credit Facility through EXIM Bank. President Muizzu highlighted that these initiatives would provide significant economic benefits and boost local economies, contributing to the nation’s overall prosperity. He characterized the projects as vital milestones in Maldives-India bilateral relations.
President Muizzu praised the High Impact Community Development Projects funded by Indian Grant Assistance, which reflect the strong engagement between the two nations in socioeconomic development. He noted that several transformative initiatives are currently underway, aiming to accelerate the delivery of these benefits to communities. The President expressed gratitude for India’s flexibility in restructuring the Line of Credit arrangement.
In a post on X, President Muizzu stated, “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. I thank the Government of India, especially Prime Minister @narendramodi, for always supporting the Maldives. Our enduring partnership continues to strengthen, bringing our nations closer through cooperation in security, development, and cultural exchange. Together, we build a brighter, more prosperous future for the region.”
The ceremony marking the handover took place at the President’s Office, where EAM Jaishankar officially handed over the completion letter for the project to Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer. The project, initially announced on March 28, 2019, aimed to establish water and sewerage facilities in 34 islands, with the contract awarded to EXIM Bank on March 18, 2019.
The completed project includes water supply facilities on 22 islands, sewerage facilities on two islands, and combined facilities on four islands. Key components of the water supply projects involve installing Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants, water storage tanks, distribution pipelines, and solar panels to power RO operations. The sewerage system includes laying network pipelines and constructing sewage pumping stations.
With the inauguration of these 28 facilities, approximately 28,298 beneficiaries have gained access to essential clean water and sanitation services, covering around 7% of the total population of the Maldives.
The specific islands where water facilities were established include:
Kelaa (Haa Alif Atoll)
Funadhoo (Shaviyani Atoll)
Manadhoo (Noonu Atoll)
Kaashidhoo (Kaafu Atoll)
Kurendhoo (Lhaviyani Atoll)
Felidhoo (Vaavu Atoll)
Meedhoo (Dhaalu Atoll)
Bilehdhoo (Faafu Atoll)
Maabaidhoo (Laamu Atoll)
Isdhoo-Kalaidhoo (Laamu Atoll)
Maamendhoo (Laamu Atoll)
Gan (Laamu Atoll)
Kolhufushi (Meemu Atoll)
Muli (Meemu Atoll)
Maduvvari (Meemu Atoll)
Hirilandhoo (Thaa Atoll)
Maamendhoo (Gaafu Alif Atoll)
Gemanafushi (Gaafu Alif Atoll)
Faresmaathodaa (Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll)
Hoadhehdhoo (Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll)
Madaveli (Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll)
The islands where sewerage facilities were established include:
Thoddoo (Alif Alif Atoll)
Dhagethi (Alif Alif Atoll)
The islands with both water and sewerage facilities established are:
Fulidhoo (Vaavu Atoll)
Thinadhoo (Vaavu Atoll)
Bandidhoo (Dhaalu Atoll)
Dharanboodhoo (Faafu Atoll)
This project aims to improve the quality of life for Maldivians by providing essential services and strengthening bilateral ties with India.
