On Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned Ibrahim Shaheeb, the Maldives High Commissioner, in the midst of a dispute over a post by a Maldivian politician criticizing Prime politician Narendra Modi over his desire to visit Lakshadweep.An offensive remark about the Maldives being a “puppet of China” made by an Indian X user sparked the issue. The individual in question also dropped hints that Lakshadweep would be a more suitable vacation spot than the Maldives.
Deputy Youth Empowerment Minister Mariyam Shiuna of the Maldives reacted negatively to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while Ministers Majid and Shareef used same rhetoric.
Famous people from all over the globe love to take vacations in the Maldives, which is often called “Paradise on Earth.” There are a number of Indian stars and actresses who frequently go there for vacation. Around 210,000 Indian visitors visited the Maldives in 2023, according to information provided by the Maldivian government.
In what seems like an effort to promote tourism on the island of Lakshadweep, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited the destination and participated in activities like snorkeling.On Sunday, the Maldives government suspended three deputy cabinet ministers—Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, Maryam Shiuna, and Malsha Shareef—for making “derogatory” comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including calling him a “clown” and a “puppet of Israel.” This came as the row was threatening to further strain bilateral ties between the two nations, according to ABP LIVE’s sources.
An spokesperson from the Maldivian government revealed to ABP LIVE that the ministers in question have been suspended after the administration attempted to distance itself from their comments, claiming that the ministers made the remarks in their “personal” role.
Netizens also voiced their indignation on social media with the hashtag “#BoycottMaldives,” and numerous celebrities and athletes went to X to express their pain over the event.Official sources in New Delhi told PTI that on Sunday, the Indian high commission in Male brought up the issue with the Maldivian foreign ministry.
