The administration of President Muhammad Muizzu of the Maldives has distanced itself from the comments made by one of its ministers.
Due to the Maldives’ anti-India stance, the disparaging comments made against Prime Minister Modi have caused immense outrage in India, with many advocating for a boycott of tourism there.
The Indian High Commissioner in Male has reportedly brought up the issue with the Maldives government. The development coincides with the Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu-led government distancing itself from the remarks of its minister. India expressed concerns on Sunday regarding the recent “derogatory” remarks made by Maldives Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment Mariyam Shiuna against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The exercise of freedom of expression “should be democratic and responsible, and in ways that do not spread hatred and negativity and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and international partners,” as stated by the Maldivian government.
India-Maldives dispute: Key Takeaways
- A major dispute broke out between the Maldives and India after a minister there made disparaging statements about Prime Minister Modi over his most recent visit to the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
- The Maldives’ Mariyam Shiuna, the Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, called India’s Prime Minister a “clown” and a “puppet.”
- Due to the Maldives’ anti-India stance, the disparaging comments caused a great deal of indignation in India, where people demanded that travel there be boycotted.
- 4. As the controversy surrounding the issue intensified, former president of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed denounced the minister’s comments and praised India as a “key ally” for the safety and development of the archipelago nation.
- Maldives Government official Mariyam Shiuna used “appalling language towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for the Maldives’ security and prosperity,” according to a post made on X by Mohamed Nasheed (previously Twitter).
6. The former president continued, saying, “It is imperative that the Mohamed Muizzu government explicitly assure India that these remarks do not represent government policy and distance itself from them.”
- The Mohammad Muizzu government, which was just elected, disavowed the minister’s comments on Sunday and declared that the appropriate authorities “will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks.”
- Maldivian officials are being informed of India’s stance through diplomatic channels after the country voiced concerns regarding the comments made about the Indian Prime Minister.
- This comes as a blow to relations between India and the United States following President Muhammad Muizzu’s election on an anti-India platform.
- Because Mohammad Muizzu’s first foreign visit was to Turkey, a country well-known for its anti-Indian sentiments, the new Maldivian administration is closely aligning itself with the Arab world.
India-Maldives dispute: Maldivian lawmakers respond
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih responded to Mariyam Shiuna’s remarks, which were poorly received in the Maldives’ domestic political circles, by saying, “I condemn the use of hateful language against India by Maldivian government officials on social media. India and the Maldives have traditionally been close friends; thus, we can not let such snide comments destroy our long-standing relationship.”