Due to threats to two diplomatic missions in the Maldives, security measures have been strengthened at the High Commission of India as well as Embassy of China in the Maldives' congested capital, Malé City.

In a statement released on Friday night, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that both diplomatic missions had requested to boost security measures in their respective regions, at a time reports of protests in front of the Chinese Embassy as well as threats to bomb the Indian High Commission have been circulating on social media.

The ministry said that the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has since increased security measures at both buildings.

The statement goes on to read that inaccurate articles published by local media outlet “Dhiyares” had sparked outrage and hostility towards the diplomatic missions, with the ministry having stressed that spreading inaccurate information regarding foreign diplomats as well as diplomatic missions in the Maldives incite hatred towards them in the hearts of the citizens and in turn trigger negative and often hostile outcomes.

Such actions are bound to soil the country’s reputation in the eyes of the international community, weaken long-standing diplomatic relations and consecutively impacting business opportunities as well as the country’s tourism industry.

Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961, the government of Maldives is mandated to provide the required security for diplomats and diplomatic missions established in the island nation.

With this being said, the ministry has urged the public to refrain from circulating false information that will impact the country’s foreign relations.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has reiterated the same, urging local media outlets to carry out their jobs in a manner that will not sour the country’s long-standing ties with foreign partners. Shahid stressed that relations are already observed to be strained due to inaccurate reports being published.