Sticking to its 2018 India First policy, Maldives has rejected attempts to spread the "India Out" campaign, backed by the opposition, through the media and social media platforms.

"The government firmly believes that these views are not the sentiments of the general public, but rather that of a small group of individuals with the objective of tarnishing the country's long-standing cordial ties with India," a government statement said.

The main opposition Progressive Party of Maldives has been taunting President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for "selling" Maldives to India and started an India Out campaign last year. The campaign has gained traction after an opposition rally over the weekend, which forced the government to come out with a statement. The Indian mission also has registered complaints against the drive.

"India has always been the Maldives' closest ally and trusted neighbor, extending constant and consistent support to the people of Maldives on all fronts," the statement, released as newly-appointed Indian high commissioner Munu Mahawar presented his credentials to the president Nov. 17, said.

The India-Maldives ties improved since last three years with many big-ticket projects coming on the way of Indian companies and India- backed projects getting implemented at a record pace.

The government statement praised India for the "countless assistance provided" over the years particularly on instances like the 1988 mercenary attack on the country and during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The anti-India rhetoric was started last year mainly against the Indian military presence. Initially used at on-ground protests, the campaign later found a place widely across social media using the phrase with a related hashtag.

India and China are vying for a big pie in the world's ninth smallest country, comprising 1,192 islands, that commands shipping routes from the Gulfs of Aden and Hormuz to Malacca Straits.

Maldives signed the first Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China in 2017 during the pro-Beijing regime of former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. Maldives' economic minister Fayyaz Ismail in October 2020 hinted at scraping it.

The atoll nation occupies a crucial place in China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) given the country's geostrategic location in the Indian Ocean; and its debt to China stood at $3.4 billion, raising concerns about its ability to pay back.

After being edged out by China, India is back in business. The ties with India improved with the Solih government in 2018.

India has become the biggest donor with infrastructure projects worth $800mn being implemented across 34 islands. Total Indian investment is estimated at a significant $1.3 billion.

An air bubble involving 60 direct flights has been set up by both countries. For the tourism-based economy of Maldives, Indian visitors constitute a major chunk. An estimated 10,595 tourists are expected to visit Maldives this month.

Indian helicopters and coastal radars are suitably located within the country for surveillance and the Maldivian military personnel train in India.

"Support provided by India, on areas such as search and rescue capabilities, casualty evacuation, coastal surveillance, and maritime reconnaissance, directly benefit the Maldivian people," the government said in the statement.

One year ahead of the presidential election in 2023, President Solih has hinted at his priorities in the coming days.