Maldivian Ministers suspended over derogatory comments against India, PM Modi

New Delhi, Jan 7: Three officials from the Maldives’ Youth Ministry, Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, have been suspended due to their derogatory remarks on social media against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, local media reported.

The incident followed Prime Minister Modi’s video post showcasing a beach in Lakshadweep, which sparked a debate about tourism competition between Lakshadweep and the Maldives.

The Maldivian Foreign Ministry stated that the comments were personal opinions and not representative of the government’s views. The remarks have drawn criticism from Indian nationals, including Bollywood celebrities, highlighting India’s significance as a top tourist source for the Maldives.

The Maldivian government emphasized its commitment to responsible expression and denounced hate speech. It warned of actions against those making derogatory comments, as these could harm international relations.

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed condemned the remarks, urging President Mohamed Muizzu to clarify the government’s stance. He emphasized India’s role in Maldivian security and prosperity. This controversy arises amid tense India-Maldives relations under President Muizzu, who has shown a preference for closer ties with China, as evidenced by his recent visit beginning tomorrow to Beijing and meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Maldivian government has issued a formal statement addressing the controversy sparked by derogatory comments made on social media by two of its deputy ministers.

The remarks, which targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian populace, have caused a diplomatic stir, drawing criticism both domestically and internationally.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representing the Maldivian government, clarified that the offensive statements expressed by these ministers are personal opinions and do not reflect the official stance of the Maldivian government.

Emphasizing the importance of responsible and democratic freedom of expression, the government denounced any form of hate speech or negative rhetoric that could potentially damage the Maldives’ relationships with its global partners.

Additionally, the statement warned that the authorities would take appropriate action against individuals responsible for such derogatory remarks.

This public declaration follows a backlash against social media posts made by Maldivian ministers, particularly in response to PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, India’s smallest Union Territory. Minister Mariyam Shiuna’s disrespectful language in a tweet about PM Modi and another minister’s accusation of India targeting Maldives in beach tourism have been particularly controversial.

Former President of Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, the first democratically-elected leader of the nation, has strongly condemned these remarks. Nasheed, who served as president from 2008 to 2012, urged current President Mohamed Muizzu to publicly assert that these comments do not align with government policy.

He highlighted the critical role of India in the security and prosperity of the Maldives, calling for the government to distance itself from these offensive statements and reassure India of their commitment to maintaining a strong bilateral relationship.