Three deputy ministers in the Maldives have been disciplined and suspended from their positions after making derogatory remarks about India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. The officials, identified as Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, who were part of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, faced disciplinary actions for their offensive comments against Modi on the social media platform X. The remarks included labeling Modi as a “clown,” “terrorist,” and “puppet of Israel,” in response to a video promoting tourism in Lakshadweep, an Indian Union territory in the Arabian Sea.
The Maldives, known for its luxury resorts and stunning islands, is concerned that Modi’s visit was an attempt to draw tourists away from their popular destination. The Indian High Commission in the Maldives promptly raised the issue with the Maldivian government, and Indian celebrities, including Bollywood actors and sports stars, expressed their discontent over the officials’ remarks. Akshay Kumar, a prominent Indian actor, criticized the hateful and racist comments made by Maldives public figures towards Indians.
In response to the uproar, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives issued a statement acknowledging the derogatory remarks and clarifying that they were personal opinions and did not represent the government’s views. Former Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih condemned the use of “hateful language” and emphasized the importance of maintaining the longstanding friendship between India and the Maldives.
Concerned about potential repercussions, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu ordered an investigation into the matter. Indians constitute the largest group of foreign visitors to the Maldives, and tourism plays a significant role in the country’s economy. The timing of this incident coincides with President Muizzu’s upcoming state visit to China, with both India and China striving for influence in the region.
President Muizzu, who campaigned on altering the Maldives’ “India first” policy and removing a small Indian military presence, has recently softened his anti-Indian rhetoric. He assured that he would not disrupt the regional balance by replacing Indian forces with Chinese troops. This incident highlights the delicate balance of power and competition for influence between India and China in the region.
The suspension of the deputy ministers serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of social media posts and the need for diplomacy and respect in international relations. It also underscores the significance of the Maldives-India friendship and the importance of maintaining strong ties between the two countries.
The investigation into the derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Modi will shed light on the motivations behind such comments and the potential impact on bilateral relations between India and the Maldives. As the largest group of foreign visitors, the treatment of Indian tourists and India’s response to this incident will also be crucial in determining the future dynamics between the two nations.
In conclusion, the disciplinary actions taken against the deputy ministers in the Maldives for their derogatory social media remarks against India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlight the delicate balance of power and competition for influence in the region. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations and respecting international friendships. The investigation into the matter and India’s response will be significant in shaping the future dynamics between the two countries.
