Maldives foreign minister breaks silence over 'derogatory' remarks against PM Modi, India

Maldives Foreign Affairs Minister Moosa Zameer condemned the derogatory remarks passed by his fellow ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian people, saying that it doesn't reflect the official position of the ruling government.

Taking to social media X on January 8, Zameer said that President Mohamed Muizzu-led government "remains committed to fostering a positive and constructive dialogue with" India, "based on mutual respect and understanding".

"The recent remarks against foreign leaders and our close neighbours are unacceptable and do not reflect the official position of the Government of #Maldives."

"We remain committed to fostering a positive and constructive dialogue with all our partners, especially our neighbours, based on mutual respect and understanding."

The comments came hours after India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Maldivian envoy to express its displeasure. Meanwhile, the three ministers— Maryam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef and Mahzoom Majid—who made the disparaging remarks were suspended after many Indians objected to their unsavory statements online, with many calling for a boycott of the Maldives and its tourist spots.

The row was triggered after Modi's visit to Lakshwadeep on January 2 where he shared several pictures, including an 'exhilarating experience' of him trying his hand at snorkelling.

However, a Maldivian lawmaker inferred the visit as India trying to promote Lakshwadeep as an alternative tourist destination to Maldives. Following this, two other ministers also joined in and shared derogatory posts on X along with PM Modi's photos from Lakshadweep.

The surge of online backlash from the Indians forced the Maldives foreign ministry to issue an official statement on Sunday saying that the government is aware of "derogatory remarks" on social media platforms against foreign leaders and that the personal views do not represent its position.

"The government of Maldives is aware of 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 Maldives," the Maldivian foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

The diplomatic row comes at a time when India and Maldives relations are already strained over withdrawal of the Indian personnel from the archipelago.