Meta description: The Maldives government faces a diplomatic row as ministers’ derogatory remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spark outrage.
Amid a recent controversy over derogatory remarks made by Maldivian ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Maldives government finds itself embroiled in a diplomatic row with India. The situation escalated after Minister of Youth Empowerment Mariyam Shiuna and other officials criticized PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, prompting swift condemnation and suspension from the Maldives government. The Indian High Commission in Male raised concerns over the comments, further straining diplomatic relations. The contentious comments have sparked outrage and calls for a boycott of the island nation, with Indian celebrities expressing support for exploring Indian islands and condemning the offensive remarks.
President Mohamed Muizzu’s government, which had previously campaigned on an ‘India Out’ platform, swiftly suspended Ministers Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid for their derogatory comments about PM Modi and the Indian people. The government’s move to distance itself from the remarks comes amidst President Muizzu’s State Visit to China, highlighting the impact of the controversy on diplomatic relations.
The Maldivian government’s efforts to contain the fallout indicate the severity of the situation and the potential ramifications on bilateral relations. Opposition leaders condemned the use of “appalling language” and the foreign ministry affirmed that the derogatory remarks on social media were personal opinions and did not represent the government’s views. This underscores the gravity of the situation and the need to address the fallout from the offensive comments.
The controversy has also prompted backlash on social media, with calls for a boycott of the Maldives and support for exploring the Indian islands in response to the offensive remarks. Indian celebrities, including Akshay Kumar and Kangana Ranaut, have expressed solidarity, encouraging their fans to explore Indian islands and condemning the Maldivian leader’s remarks. The uproar over the comments reflects the public’s strong sentiments and the potential impact on tourism and diplomatic ties.
As the fallout continues to unfold, the controversy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of diplomatic decorum and the potential consequences of inflammatory remarks. The Maldives government’s swift action, including the suspension of the ministers and efforts to distance itself from the comments, underscores the gravity of the situation and the need to address the diplomatic fallout. As the issue sparks outrage and calls for solidarity, the government’s response and the ongoing diplomatic discussions will be crucial in mitigating the impact on bilateral relations and restoring diplomatic harmony between the Maldives and India.
