New Delhi: In a bid to save the situation after a major diplomatic embarrassment, the Maldives was forced to suspend three junior ministers -- Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef and Mahzoom Majid -- for using derogatory language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the social media. Facing a backlash and a growing diplomatic crisis after India raised the matter through diplomatic channels in Male, the Maldives government distanced itself from the statement of its deputy ministers and reprimanded them, saying freedom of expression should be exercised in a responsible manner so that it does not hinder close relationships with the Maldives’ international partners.
“All government officials responsible for the comments have been suspended from their posts effective immediately”, Maldives government spokesperson Ibrahim Khaleel said.
As heated exchanges took place between Indians and Maldives ministers on the social media, with thousands cancelling their trips to the country, President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration condemned the derogatory words and the mockery of Mr Modi. Coincidentally, the Maldives government website crashed briefly after Indians took to the Internet to respond to the ministers.
“The Government of the Maldives is aware of the 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 the Maldives. The government believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners. Moreover, the relevant authorities of the government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks,” the Maldives government said in a statement.
The Maldives’ media houses claimed the three ministers had responded to an Indian X user who called President Muizzu a “Chinese puppet” and said that Mr Modi’s video will boost Lakshadweep tourism. Ms Shiuna, the deputy minister of youth empowerment, information and arts and spokesperson of Male City, called Mr Modi a “puppet of Israel” while being sarcastic for using a life jacket while diving. She later deleted her posts.
Mahzoom Majidh deactivated his X account, but before that he apologised, saying: “Apologies for any insensitivity in my recent tweet. I recognise the impact of my words, especially considering the enduring Maldives-India friendship led by leaders like Narendra Modi. Taking full responsibility, committed to greater mindfulness. Thank you for holding me accountable.”
All this began a day after Prime Minister Modi posted pictures of pristine beaches of Lakshadweep and urged Indians to explore the natural beauty of India’s smallest Union territory. Ms Shiuna and two of her colleagues used derogatory words for the Indian PM and said India faces significant challenges in competing with the Maldives in beach tourism.
Interestingly, Mr Modi had nowhere mentioned the Maldives in his posts on X while promoting Lakshadweep. In a voice message on X, Mr Modi had said it was difficult to describe in words the beauty of Lakshadweep. “I have a request for those who wish to travel to other countries to see their islands and are enamoured by their sea, must come to Lakshadweep,” the PM said.
In a series of tweets on X posted along with photographs of the beaches on Lakshadweep, Mr Modi had said: “For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list. During my stay, I also tried snorkelling -- what an exhilarating experience it was! And those early morning walks along the pristine beaches were also moments of pure bliss. Lakshadweep is not just a group of islands; it’s a timeless legacy of traditions and a testament to the spirit of its people. My visit has been an enriching journey of learning and growing.”
The utterances of Ms Shiuna and her two colleagues not only prompted Internet trolling but also political criticism from her country’s Opposition leaders like Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Solih. Not only did Mr Nasheed, a former Maldives President, denounce her comments but he also hailed India as a “key ally” of the security and prosperity of the archipelago nation.
“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,” said Mr Nasheed.
Zahid Rameez, a council member of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), also targeted India by posting: “The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is delusional. How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall.”
“I condemn the use of hateful language against India by Maldivian government officials on the social media. India has always been a good friend to the Maldives and we must not allow such callous remarks to negatively impact the age-old friendship between our two countries,” posted Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, also a former Maldives President.
“Derogatory remarks made by two 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 on the social media is reprehensible and odious. I call on the government to reprimand these officials. Public figures must maintain decorum. They must accept that they are no longer social media activists and that they are now entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the interests of the people and the country. India is a time-tested friend and an unwavering ally. They have historically been the first to respond in our time of need. Our close relationship has been bound by mutual respect, history, culture and strong people-to-people relations,” said former Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid.
Another former Maldives foreign minister, Dunya Maumoon, said that Maldivians value the historic ties and bonds of strong friendship with India, while former MP Faris Maumoon urged the government to “reprimand public officials who are disrespectful towards heads of state and high officials of friendly countries”.
In a sharp response to the ministers’ comments, thousands of Indians cancelled their vacation plans to the Maldives even as Indian celebrities urged citizens to explore Indian islands. The Maldives relies heavily on Indian tourists for its economy. More than two lakh Indian tourists are learnt to have visited the Maldives by December 2023. Alarmed by these cancellations, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) advocated for positive relations between the two nations. “It is crucial to dispel any misconceptions with regard to the matter and MATATO highlights that efforts to develop and foster Lakshadweep island’s tourism sector has no discernible negative effect on the Maldives tourism industry,” MATATO said.
Indian celebrities, including Akshay Kumar, John Abraham and Sachin Tendulkar, urged people to explore Indian islands like Lakshadweep and Sindhudurg. “Came across comments from prominent public figures from the Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists. We are good to our neighbours, but why should we tolerate such unprovoked hate? I have visited the Maldives many times and always praised it, but dignity first. Let us decide to explore Indian Islands and support our own tourism,” actor Akshay Kumar tweeted.
Actor Salman Khan tweeted: “It is so cool to see our PM Narendrabhai Modi at the beautiful clean and stunning beaches of Lakshadweep, and the best part is that yeh hamare India mein hain (it is in our country).”
