New Delhi: The Indian high commission in the Maldives has said that there are attempts by some local media outlets to spread “fake reports” with the intent to harass and intimidate high commission officials and the Indian expat community in the Maldives.“These fake reports are designed to create a climate of hate and fear among the Maldivian public with the intention to adversely affect the friendly relations between India and Maldives,” a press statement issued by the high commission said.It further went on to note that the India-Maldives relationship is based on mutual trust and respect. “India, under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy has accorded special place to the Maldives and has extended all possible support to the friendly people of the Maldives,” it added.Press Release by @HCIMaldives pic.twitter.com/ybvVPYWjbK— India in Maldives (@HCIMaldives) September 22, 2023“Such irresponsible acts by motivated ‘media persons’ peddling agenda-driven fake reports need to be condemned in the strongest terms. We also call upon the Maldivian authorities to investigate such instances of fake news circulation which are being brazenly carried out in the name of journalism,” the press statement said.It is not clear yet which “fake reports” the Indian high commission is referring to.Meanwhile, the Maldivian finance minister, Ibrahim Ameer, has said that there are reports being circulated stating that he had met with the Indian high commissioner in the Maldives to seek a loan of MVR 3 billion from the Indian government. Ameer categorically denied that there were any such meetings and any such request made to the Indian government by the Maldivian government.The opposition parties in the Maldives have been critical of President Ibrahim Solih’s engagement with India. He has come under fierce attack from the opposition camp for letting India “dictate” the policies of his government.Over the years, the principal opposition coalition of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the Progressive National Congress (PNC) has spearheaded an ‘India Out’ campaign on the alleged grounds that Solih had allowed Indian military personnel to be stationed in Maldives. Both Malé and New Delhi have denied the claims.On September 9, Maldives held its fourth multi-party presidential election with the largest pool of candidates. President Solih, who is seen as favourable to India, secured a distant second-place position against PPM-PNC Mohamed Muizzu, believed to be backed by China. While Muizzu secured 46% votes, Solih managed to win 39% of the votes.According to the Maldivian electoral system, a second round of voting is necessary if no candidate bags at least 50% of votes. As a result, Solih and Muizzu will face off in the second round on September 30. Going by trends, it appears Solih’s dreams of winning re-election may not be successful, and one of the major criticisms against his government has been that he has allowed New Delhi to dictate his government.The principal driver for the ‘India Out’ campaign had been former President Abdulla Yameen. But since the Supreme Court refused to accept his appeal to stand for election despite his conviction, the opposition coalition brought in former housing minister Miuzzi, who has carried forward the same narrative.During the presidential debate, Solih was attacked on his alleged approval for Indian troops being stationed in the Maldives. This allegation had also been the basis of the ‘India Out’ campaign that had been spearheaded by former President Abdulla Yameen.Although President Solih and his government denied those allegations, there has been a perception that his government has been batting from the backfoot while facing the relentless allegations. The Indian embassy in Maldives had to also issue two fact-checks when the opposition supporters circulated false documents claiming Indian military presence in the Indian Ocean nation. For India, an electoral loss for Solih would be a big setback.