Maldives govt suspends three ministers for derogatory remarks on PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Maldives has taken suspended three ministers who made derogatory remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After the incident became controversial, Maldives also released an official statement these opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives.

The suspended ministers include Mariyam Shiuna, Maldives' Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, who called Modi a clow and Israel's puppet. After the controversy, the minister removed this post. Many Indians have canceled their trip to Maldives following the statements of the Maldives ministers.

The Maldives government has also informed that it will not hesitate to take action against those who make such defamatory remarks.

After PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, Maldives minister Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, another suspended minister, took to X platform claiming that India is shifting focus from the Maldives by promoting Lakshadweep as another tourist spot.

Majid went on to remark that India faces significant challenges in competing with the Maldives in beach tourism.

After his visit to Lakshadweep, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pictures and videos including snorkeling went viral on social media.

Earlier on January 7, former President Mohamed Nasheed described the remarks against Modi as “appalling” and asked President Muizzu’s government to distance itself from these comments.

“What appalling language by Maldives Government official @shiuna_m towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for Maldives’ security and prosperity. @MMuizzu gov must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect gov policy,” he posted on X.