The Maldivian government suspended three deputy ministers who came under fire for derogatory social media posts on Indian PM Narendra Modi’s recent trip to India’s Lakshadweep archipelago.
The move came after the Indian High Commission in Maldives reportedly raised the issue firmly with the authorities and expressed concerns about the comments.
The Suspension
According to reports confirmed by state broadcaster PSM News, Malsha Sharyf, Mariyum Shiuna and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid have been banned from work amid an investigation following their remarks.
For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024
During my stay, I also tried snorkelling - what an exhilarating experience it was! pic.twitter.com/rikUTGlFN7
While Maldivian deputy minister Hassan Zihan denied the reports of suspension, government spokesperson Ibrahim Khaleel confirmed the news.
“The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals,” the Maldivian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Racist Remarks Draw Flak
After Indian PM Narendra Modi posted pictures of his recent visit to Lakshadweep and promoted the archipelago as a favourable tourist destination, a social media controversy emerged between Indian and Maldivian netizens.
Majid made racist remarks targeting India and said that India explicitly targeting Maldives is not “diplomatic.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, Shiuna, called Modi a “clown” and a “puppet of Israel” in a post that has now been deleted.
Additionally, Sharyf and Zahid Rameez, a council member of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), also mocked the Indian PM’s visit.
However, Rameez, whose name is not among those suspended, has so far rejected any calls to tender an apology. He is a member of PPM, which is a part of the current ruling coalition.
Government Disowns Remarks
Distancing itself from the comments, the foreign ministry stated that the “opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives.”
The government reaffirmed its conviction that the right to free speech must be used responsibly and democratically.
It said that the freedom of expression should be exercised in ways that “do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners.”
The administration declared that individuals who make such disparaging remarks will face consequences without hesitation.
Maldivian Opposition Condemns Remarks
Amid the controversy, pro-India leaders in Maldives took to social media to condemn the deputy ministers’ deportment.
Former Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih condemned the remarks and said, “India has always been a good friend to Maldives, and we must not allow such callous remarks to negatively impact the age-old friendship between our two countries.”
https://t.co/I3CcBBhcf8
— Atolls Times (@atolltimes) January 7, 2024
Maldives suspends 3 officials over 'derogatory' India remarks
Additionally, former President Mohamed Nasheed called India a “key ally” in his post, criticising the comments and urging the Muizzu government to assure India that the remarks do not reflect government policy.
Calls to Boycott Maldives, Strained Ties
As the controversy seared, calls to boycott the Maldives were made by Indian social media users, with several tourists purportedly suspending their holiday plans in the archipelago nations.
The two countries have been embroiled in diplomatic controversy ever since the pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu was elected.
Since his rise to power, Muizzu has asked India to withdraw its military presence from the Maldives and suspended several agreements with New Delhi, including the Hydrographic Survey Agreement.
Muizzu has also prioritised visiting Turkey for his first official visit instead of India and is scheduled to visit China for a five-day visit from 8-12 January.