Male

The Maldives government has suspended three deputy ministers - Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef and Hassan Zihan - over their derogatory remarks made about Indian PM Narendra Modi.

Advertisment

This comes after India officially expressed concerns to Malé over comments by these sitting ministers. In an official statement, Maldives government spokesperson Ibrahim Khaleel said, "All government officials responsible for the comments have been suspended from their posts, effective immediately."

Mariyam Shiuna, serving as the deputy minister at the Maldives Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Art, and the spokesperson of the Male City Council, had made disparaging remarks following Indian PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep. Although Shiuna has since deleted her tweets, the incident sparked a diplomatic row between the two neighbouring countries.

Shiuna's fellow deputy minister, Malsha Sharif, also expressed negative remarks about India and criticised the tourism campaign.

Advertisment

These posts, coupled with similar content shared by prominent politicians and leaders, incited other users to post a string of racist comments directed at Indians and Indian tourists visiting the Maldives.

In an official statement, the Maldives foreign ministry clarified that these opinions were personal and did not reflect the nation's stance.

The statement said, "The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives."

Advertisment

Also read | Maldivian leader roasted after he mistakenly shares Bora Bora photo to counter Lakshadweep

Political reactions soon started emerging from the opposition in the country. Faris Maumoon, the President of the Maldives Reform Movement, called on the government to take action against public officials who display disrespect towards the heads of state and high officials of friendly countries.

He emphasised that failure to do so could be interpreted as the government condoning such disrespectful comments.

Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed condemned Shiuna's language as "appalling" and urged the government to distance itself from her comments.

Nasheed further called for a clear assurance to India that Shiuna's remarks do not reflect the official policy of the Maldives government.

The Maldives National Party also strongly criticised the "racist and derogatory comments" made by the government official, labelling them as unacceptable and urging the government to take necessary action against those involved.

Maldives Ex VP and Ex Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb and former FM Abdulla Shahid also condemned the comments.

Also watch | Maldives government condemns minister's 'appalling' remarks for PM Modi

The Mohamed Muizzu government, which came to power on the "India Out" movement, has displayed a marked anti-India stance since assuming office in November of the previous year, including not renewing the hydrographic agreement.

He has also been calling on India to remove its troops in the country, which have helped in evacuation efforts. The shift in diplomatic tone is evident in President Muizzu's decision to choose Turkey as his first foreign visit, breaking from the tradition of Maldives presidents traveling to India after taking charge.

Furthermore, the president is set to embark on a visit to China, indicating a deepening engagement between Male and Beijing.