Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi has apologised for the misunderstandings that followed her interview to an Indian news channel, during her official trip to India in February. The defence minister made the statement, when summoned to a parliament sitting for questioning.
Defence Minister Mariya said the point she wanted to make during the interview was that Maldives need not fear India, regardless of its military might. She said, in the 22-minute interview, she mentioned despite India's military prowess, Maldives and India communicate on equal terms. She said those who have an issue about her statements are focusing on just five seconds of the lengthy interview.
The defence minister expressed regret that one cannot go back and change their response for a live recorded interview and apologised for any misconceptions that were born from her responses. Mariya added she has not been questioned by either the Military Intelligence of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) or by the Armed Forces Advisory Council. However, she stated the Military Intelligence is concerned about rumours that imply Maldives is under the control of an outside party. She dismissed such rumours as a political ploy which aims to create unrest among the masses.
The defence minister further said the Maldivian military has the courage and intelligence to absorb and retain power and expertise from their superior counterparts by working with them.