Malé, Maldives – A diplomatic row between the Maldives and India erupted Sunday after several high-ranking Maldivian politicians made disparaging remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s recent development efforts in Lakshadweep, a nearby island chain.
The controversy was sparked by a tweet by PM Modi highlighting his visit to Lakshadweep, showcasing its tourism potential. This seemingly innocuous post triggered a flurry of offensive social media comments from Maldivian Deputy Ministers Maryam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid.
Shiuna, in since-deleted posts, accused India of targeting the Maldives and made disparaging remarks about PM Modi’s ties to Israel. Her colleagues Shareef and Majid joined in, claiming India aimed to challenge Maldivian tourism through Modi’s Lakshadweep visit.
The Indian government reacted swiftly, summoning the Maldivian ambassador and voicing strong disapproval of the remarks. The Maldivian government, distancing itself from the incendiary comments, condemned them and assured India of appropriate action.
President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration suspended the three Deputy Ministers, a move aimed at mitigating the diplomatic fallout. However, the damage appears to be done. Social media in India exploded with calls for a boycott of Maldives tourism, threatening a crucial sector of the island nation’s economy.
“This is a very sad incident,” lamented Ahmed Adeeb, former Maldivian Vice President and Tourism Minister. “When you are in an elected position, such irresponsible and derogatory remarks, especially towards a global leader like PM Modi, are simply unacceptable.”
The incident, coming at a time of heightened regional tensions, casts a shadow over the traditionally warm relations between India and the Maldives. The Maldivian government faces the delicate task of appeasing public anger within India while upholding the principles of responsible diplomacy.
Whether the damage can be fully repaired remains to be seen. One thing is certain, however: the once idyllic honeymoon destination of the Maldives now faces a public relations nightmare, one it cannot afford to ignore.
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