Foreign Ministry denies reports of Indian consulate in Addu

Foreign Ministry has denied reports by some media outlets and information circulating on social media platforms regarding the establishment of a Maldivian Consulate in Bengaluru, India, and an Indian Consulate in Addu City, Maldives.

In an official statement, the Ministry emphasized that the Maldivian government has not yet made a formal decision regarding the establishment of any foreign consulate outside the capital, Malé. The statement further noted that such matters require extensive deliberations with all relevant stakeholders before a final decision can be reached.

The Ministry also stressed the importance of ensuring the dissemination of accurate and responsible information through the media to preserve public harmony and ensure that the community remains properly informed.

The proposal to establish an Indian Consulate in Addu City was initially introduced during the previous administration. On May 24, 2021, the Union Cabinet of India, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, formally approved the proposal. At the time, the then-opposition PPM/PNC coalition—which currently leads the government—strongly criticized and opposed the move.

More recently, the President’s Office stated that during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to India on October 7, 2024, discussions were held with Prime Minister Modi regarding the potential establishment of consulates in both countries.