On Sunday, Abdulla Shahid, the former Foreign Minister of Maldives, expressed disapproval of the "derogatory remarks" made by leaders of the island nation's ruling party against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. Shahid urged the Maldivian government to take action and "reprimand" the officials responsible for the objectionable comments.
Taking to X, Shahid stated, "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 Narendra Modi and the people of India in social media is reprehensible and odious. I call on the government to reprimand these officials. Public figures must maintain decorum."
He went on to emphasize the enduring friendship and unwavering alliance between India and the Maldives, highlighting the historical response of India during times of need and the strong bonds based on mutual respect, history, culture, and people-to-people relations.
Shahid's remarks came in response to the mocking comments made by Maldives ministers on social media regarding Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to Lakshadweep.
Despite the derogatory comments, the Maldives government issued a statement, disassociating itself from the remarks, stating that they do not reflect the views of the Maldivian government.
Mariyam Shiuna, the Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment in the Maldives, had previously referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "clown" and a "puppet" in posts on X, which were later deleted. Other Maldives officials, including MP Zahid Rameez, also mocked PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, sparking criticism and calls to "boycott Maldives."
The Indian High Commissioner has engaged with the Mohamed Muizzu-led government in Male regarding the matter.
