Maldives Distances Itself from Derogatory Remarks on PM Modi: Foreign Minister Zameer
New Delhi, 10th May 2024: Referring to derogatory remarks made by certain Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year, Moosa Zameer, the island nation’s Foreign Minister, who is on his inaugural official visit to India, stated that his government had distanced itself from the comments and had taken appropriate measures to ensure they are not repeated.
In an interview with news agency ANI, Maldivian Foreign Minister Zameer stated, “We have clarified that it does not represent the stance or opinion of the government. We believe such actions should not have occurred, and we are taking necessary steps to prevent their recurrence.”
He added, “There may have been misunderstandings, especially on social media, but the Maldivian and Indian governments understand the situation and have moved past it.”
The rift between India and the Maldives arose from derogatory posts made by three officials about PM Narendra Modi.
Following the derogatory remarks, Maldives Deputy Youth Ministers Mariyam Shiuna, Mahzoom Majid, and Malsha Shareef have been suspended indefinitely, with their salaries intact, as announced by the President’s Office, as reported by Maldives local media Adhadhu.
Communications Minister Ibrahim Khaleel of the Maldives President’s Office elaborated on the suspensions, stating that they were indefinite measures taken to address the issue.
Male is currently facing a boycott by Indian tourists, who are among the largest contributors to the country’s revenue. According to recent reports, Indian tourist arrivals in the Maldives declined by 42% in the first four months of this year compared to the same period in 2023.
In light of concerns about a potential decline in Indian tourist visits to the Maldives following the controversy, Minister Zameer expressed the Maldivian government’s eagerness to mend ties with India and reiterated their invitation to Indian tourists.
He said, “The Minister of Tourism has expressed his desire to welcome Indian tourists to the Maldives. Despite recent challenges, we hope to see an increase in Indian tourist arrivals in the near future.”
Zameer’s visit to India coincides with strained ties with the Maldives under President Mohamed Muizzu’s pro-China government, and as India announced plans to replace its military personnel from the Maldives before May 10.
In April, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the arrival of the first batch of Indian technical personnel in the Maldives to replace the defence personnel. India and the Maldives have held two high-level core group meetings, with a third one expected to take place soon.
The removal of Indian troops from the country was a key campaign promise of Muizzu’s party. Currently, there are approximately 70 Indian troops stationed in the Maldives, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters.
