Background
- Social media was the starting point of the diplomatic spat between India and Maldives, which later spread to both countries’ foreign ministries.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep on January 4 and posted images of the stunning island. He made no mention of the Maldives, but social media users questioned why anyone would travel there when India has such unspoiled natural beauty.
- Anti-Indian sentiment emerged in the Maldives following a change of leadership. Considered to be pro-China, President Mohamed Muizzu had previously backed the “India Out” movement before elections.
- Maldivian officials used disparaging remarks against Prime Minister Modi in the ensuing social media war.
Diplomatic Responses
- The Maldives High Commissioner to India was called by India, which expressed grave concerns regarding remarks made by some Maldivian ministers criticizing Prime Minister Modi.
- Three officials were placed on indefinite leave by the Maldivian government, which was being cautious in its approach between China and India.
- Well-known Maldivians voiced their unhappiness of the state of affairs and emphasized the necessity of a diplomatic solution.
Historical Engagement
- India and Maldives have a complex connection that encompasses humanitarian, economic, and defense facets.
- India has always been the first to react to emergencies in the Maldives, such the Male water crisis in 2014 and the coup attempt in 1988.
The Maldivian Government has Suspended three Ministers for Disparaging Prime Minister Narendra Modi
India and Maldives relationship Three ministers were suspended by the Maldives government on Sunday for making “derogatory remarks” against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The administration explained that the comments made by the ministers on social media were “personal and do not represent the views of the Government” and distanced itself from them.
This happened after opposition leaders denounced the officials’ use of “appalling language” against the Indian leader.
Officials from the President’s Office have been suspended for posting disparaging comments about India, a neighboring country, according to a report by state broadcaster PSM News.
It further stated that the Maldives government has reaffirmed its resolve to acting swiftly against users of social media whose actions jeopardize international relations
