Defense Ministry has said that the Defense Minister, Mariya Ahmed Didi's remarks regarding India are being reported falsely to misinterpret the meaning.

A statement issued by the ministry yesterday said that in an interview with an Indian news channel, Minister Mariya said that India and Maldives are two friendly nations that has always respected each other's independence and sovereignty. And regardless of India's military prowess, the two countries would always respect each other's independence.

The Ministry said that parts of this interview has been omitted to misinterpret the meaning to achieve a political goal at the risk of bilateral relations. The statement said that Minister Mariya is steadfast to protect the nation's independence and sovereignty.