The government today distanced itself from BJP MP Subramanian Swamy's remarks that India should "invade" the Maldives if the upcoming presidential election in the island nation was rigged. Two days after a meeting with exiled former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed in Colombo, Swamy had tweeted on Friday that "India should invade Maldives if rigging of election takes place."

Responding to a query on the BJP parliamentarian's comments, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "The opinion expressed by Dr Swamy in his tweet is personal. It does not reflect the views of the Government of India." Swamy met Nasheed in Colombo on Tuesday during which the Maldivian leader apprised him about the political situation in his country and expressed concerns that the September 23 presidential election may be rigged by incumbent President Abdullah Yameen.