Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has lied in the People's Majlis, claiming that no one would have seen him wearing an "India Out" T-shirt, which was part of a campaign led by current government officials when they were in the opposition during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s presidency.

Minister Khaleel attended Wednesday's Majlis sitting to answer a question posed by MP for South Galolhu constituency Meekail Ahmed Naseem. During the additional question period, MP for North Hithadhoo constituency Ibrahim Nazil also questioned Minister Khaleel.

MP Nazil inquired whether Khaleel had worn an "India Out" campaign t-shirt and if he had ever stated on any social media platform that no relations should be maintained with India.

In response to this, the minister said that no one would have seen him on social media wearing an "India Out" t-shirt. However, he added that he might have been seen wearing a t-shirt related to the Maldives' independence and sovereignty, which he said was something he took pride in.

Khaleel, who had previously heavily criticized India and the neighboring country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stated in the parliament that he has always believed in maintaining very close relations with India.

He further added that the Maldives should have very close relations with neighboring countries and countries that have been providing assistance to the Maldives.

Khaleel did not respond to the question about his social media comments regarding India. Following Khaleel's response, MP for Maradhoo constituency Ahmed Didi stated that Khaleel had blatantly lied during the Majlis sitting.

Didi pointed out that photos and videos of Khaleel wearing the "India Out" campaign t-shirt were available in the public domain. However, the speaker ruled that this was not a point of order.

Khaleel, who previously served as an MP for Nilandhoo constituency in the 18th People's Majlis, had heavily criticized India and Modi in the past. These posts are still visible on Khaleel's official account on social media platform ‘X’.

In those posts, Khaleel had accused Indian PM Modi of attempting to stage a coup in the Maldives and claimed that Modi's attendance at President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's inauguration ceremony was part of a deal.

Further, Khaleel had stated that the Maldives' dependence on India needed to end. Minister Khaleel was one of the leading figures in the "India Out" campaign conducted by current government officials when they were in opposition.