India has formally addressed the Maldives government regarding the offensive comments made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Mariyam Shiuna, a minister in the island nation. This diplomatic intervention comes in the aftermath of a dispute arising when Maldivian politicians ridiculed Prime Minister Modi's visit to Lakshadweep.
Mariyam Shiuna, who serves as the Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment in the Maldives, had labeled PM Modi as a "clown" and "puppet" in posts on X, which were subsequently deleted following criticism on the micro-blogging site. The Indian High Commissioner has engaged with the Mohamed Muizzu-led government in Male to address this matter formally.
Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed condemned Shiuna's derogatory remarks, characterizing them as "appalling language." He called on the government led by Mohamed Muizzu to distance itself from such comments and assure India that they do not reflect official government policy.
Despite facing backlash, Mariyam Shiuna persisted in making disparaging comments about PM Modi in various social media interactions. Additionally, other Maldives officials, including MP Zahid Rameez, also mocked the Prime Minister's Lakshadweep visit, leading to widespread criticism on social media and calls to boycott the Maldives.
Zahid Rameez shared a tweet suggesting that PM Modi's actions would be a setback for the Maldives but boost tourism in Lakshadweep. He expressed skepticism about Lakshadweep's ability to compete with the Maldives in terms of services and cleanliness, citing concerns about a supposed "permanent smell" in rooms.
These comments provoked strong reactions, with many individuals urging a boycott of the Maldives. In response to the controversy, the Maldives government issued a statement on Sunday disavowing Mariyam Shiuna's remarks and clarifying that personal opinions expressed on social media do not represent the official stance of the Maldivian government.
The statement emphasized the importance of exercising freedom of expression responsibly and democratically, without spreading hatred or negativity. It further affirmed the government's commitment to maintaining positive relationships with international partners, including India, and warned of potential action against individuals making derogatory remarks against PM Modi.
