Recently, PM Modi visited Lakshadweep, where he not only made an investment but also tried snorkeling which is an underwater adventure activity. His pictures went viral on social media, and he also promoted Lakshadweep as a tourist attraction. This visit irked some ministers of Maldives and they have given some controversial statements for the Indian Prime Minister.
Following the derogatory remarks by Maldivians, Indian social media users used the hashtag “Boycott Maldives” and vowed to refrain from traveling to Maldives for their vacations.
Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep and his social media posts documenting, it has led to a social media battle among Maldivian politicians, government officials, and Indian social media users.
Others posted about the various ways in which India has offered assistance to the Maldives over the years and some of the more well-known aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, in response to the mockery by Maldivian social media users.
More than 8000 Hotel bookings, as well as 2500 flight tickets, have been cancelled after a Maldivian minister reportedly abused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This all happened just because PM Modi promoted tourism in Lakshadweep and posted pictures of its serene beauty and pristine beaches. The pictures were so immaculate that Maldivians got insecure as their main source of income is Tourism.
After “boycott Maldives” 3 ministers are suspended in Maldives
After Social Media Controversy, Maldives ‘Suspends’ 3 Ministers for Derogatory Tweets on Indian PM. The controversy – triggered by posts criticizing Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep – erupted on the same day that Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu embarked on a five-day visit to China.
The Maldives government on Sunday suspended three deputy ministers after they took to social media to make derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In an earlier statement, the government had said it “will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks”.
The three suspended ministers are Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Sharif, and Mahzoom Maajid.
In a statement, the government 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.”
Shiuna’s now-deleted post featured photos of Modi from his recent visit to Lakshadweep. “What a clown. The puppet of Israel Mr. Narendra Diver with a life jacket. #VisitMaldives #SunnySideOfLife,” the post said. She also compared India to cow dung.
Support from Maldivian Ministers
Unlike the three suspended ministers, other officials in the Maldivian government supported India and gave strong statements to take stringent actions against the suspended minister and also apologized to PM Modi.
Ahmed Mahloof, former Maldivian minister also expressed concern over the Indian Prime Minister, saying “I’m deeply worried about the escalating situation regarding the sensitive comments about our closest neighbor.”
I’m deeply worried about the escalating situation regarding the sensitive comments about our closest neighbor.
Indians boycotting the Maldives would have a huge impact on our economy. It would be hard for us to recover from such a campaign.
I call on the government to swiftly…
— Ahmed Mahloof (@AhmedMahloof) January 7, 2024
“Indians boycotting the Maldives would have a huge impact on our economy. It would be hard for us to recover from such a campaign. I call on the government to swiftly take serious action to solve the issue ASAP,” Mehloof said.
He said, “We love India and Indians, and India will always remain our closest neighbor”.
“As an ordinary citizen of the Maldives, I apologize for the racist comments by a few Maldivians towards Indians and Prime Minister @narendramodi,” the minister added.
Former President of Maldives Mohammad Nasheed also came in support of India, In a post on X, said, “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.”
I condemn the use of hateful language against #India by Maldivian government officials on social media. 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.
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) January 7, 2024
Maldives MP and Former Deputy Speaker, Eva Abdullah also said, “It is critical that the Government of Maldives distanced itself from the comments by the minister. I know that the government has suspended the ministers, but I think it is important that the Government of Maldives issue a formal apology to the Indian people.”
Derogatory remarks made by 2 Deputy Ministers of the current #Maldives Government, and a member of a political party in the ruling coalition, towards Prime Minister @narendramodi and the people of India on social media is reprehensible and odious.
I call on the Government to… pic.twitter.com/kCjEyg4yjb
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) January 7, 2024