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In the wake of a social media uproar over derogatory comments directed at India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several high-ranking government officials have been suspended, marking a significant development in diplomatic relations between the Maldives and its neighbor.
The controversy unfolded last week when Indian Prime Minister Modi shared a video of himself on a beach in Lakshadweep during his campaign trip to the islands. Pro-Indian government accounts quickly disseminated the video, asserting that it would boost tourism in Lakshadweep, potentially affecting the Maldives’ award-winning tourism industry.
The social media feud escalated as top government officials joined the fray. Subsequently, three deputy ministers from the Youth Ministry—Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid—were suspended over their involvement in the contentious posts.
The suspension coincides with mounting public demand, particularly on social media, for the dismissal of officials who made derogatory remarks against India and Prime Minister Modi.
Addressing the issue on Sunday afternoon, the Maldivian Foreign Ministry issued a statement asserting that the officials’ comments were personal opinions and did not reflect the views of the Maldivian government. The move was an attempt to disassociate the government from the controversial statements and emphasize the individuals’ personal accountability.
The controversy has drawn condemnation from Indian nationals, including prominent Bollywood figures, who expressed their disapproval of the remarks made by some Maldivians against India. India holds a crucial position as one of the top source markets for tourist arrivals in the Maldives, with 209,198 Indian tourists visiting the country last year—the highest number of arrivals from a single market.
As the diplomatic fallout continues to unfold, the suspension of government officials signals a measured response by the Maldivian authorities to address the issue and reaffirm their commitment to maintaining amicable relations with India.
