New Delhi: After posts by several of its deputy ministers attacking India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi triggered a furore, the Maldives Sunday reportedly suspended “all government officials responsible for the comments”, including deputy ministers Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, Maryam Shiuna and Malsha Shareef.
Earlier in the day, the country’s government had issued a statement distancing itself from “derogatory remarks on social media media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals”. It added that it wouldn’t “hesitate to take action” against those who make such remarks.
Saying the opinions expressed on social media were “personal” and didn’t represent the government’s views, the statement added that freedom of expression should be exercised in ways that “do not spread hatred, negativity and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners”.
Government sources told ThePrint that the High Commission of India in Male expressed concerns with the foreign office Sunday about comments made in regard to the PM by certain ministers of the Maldives government.
Relations between the Maldives and India have been strained since the accession of President Mohamed Muizzu — who had run an ‘India out’ campaign — last year. Muizzu had asked India to remove its troops from the country immediately after being sworn in. And while Muizzu’s predecessors tended to visit India first after being sworn in, his first foreign visits were to Turkey and the UAE and he is due to begin a state visit to China Monday.
The row over the social media posts — which has seen many Indians post that they were cancelling their planned trips to the Maldives — appears to have begun after posts by some Indian users on X referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep last week, when he announced development projects worth Rs 1,156 crore and promoted tourism in the islands. Sharing a video released by Modi, one such post on X said this was “a big setback to the new Chinese puppet gvt of Maldives”.
What a great move! It's a big setback to the new Chinese puppet gvt of Maldives.
Also, it will boost tourism in #Lakshadweep 🔥 pic.twitter.com/gsUX9KrNSB
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) January 4, 2024
Such posts drew responses from Maldivian leaders including Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, Mariyam Shiuna and Malsha Shareef — all deputy ministers in the country’s Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Art — as well as Zahid Rameez, a leader of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM). The PPM is the party of ex-President Abdulla Yameen and formerly that of incumbent President Muizzu.
While Shiuna’s post purportedly called Modi a “clown” and a “puppet of Israel”, Shareef used a “derisive” emoji while sharing the prime minister’s video, Atoll Times reported. Majid appears to have posted saying, “While I wish success for India’s tourism, targeting the Maldives so explicitly isn’t diplomatic. India faces significant challenges competing in beach tourism, considering our resort infrastructure exceeds their total islands.” Then, tagging Modi, he added, “this is your culture”, linking to a video showing open defecation in India.
Rameez’s post said the “idea of competing with us” was delusional, adding, “How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall.”
The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is delusional. How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall. 🤷🏻♂️ https://t.co/AzWMkcxdcf
— Zahid Rameez (@xahidcreator) January 5, 2024
Shiuna and Majid have both deleted their posts since, and Majid’s account also appeared to have been deleted later. Rameez — responding to criticism from actor Akshay Kumar — later said “I have nothing personal against India, Indians or Prime Minister HE @narendramodi” and that his “sentiments were expressed in the context of growing Indian influence in our political affairs”.
Thanks for the tweet @akshaykumar, I grew up watching your movies. 😎
For the record, I have nothing personal against India, Indians or Prime Minister HE @narendramodi. My sentiments were expressed in the context of growing Indian influence in our political affairs in the past… https://t.co/OIRWVEDzhr
— Zahid Rameez (@xahidcreator) January 7, 2024
Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed also condemned the “appalling language” used by Shiuna in a post on X and said the government should “distance itself from these comments”.
What appalling language by Maldives Government official @shiuna_m towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for Maldives’ security and prosperity. @MMuizzu gov must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect gov policy.
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) January 7, 2024
ThePrint reached Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal for comment via call and text message. This report will be updated if a response is received.
The hashtag #BoycottMaldives was trending on X as Indian users reacted to the Maldivian leaders’ remarks. Many said they had nixed their plans to visit the country — sharing screenshots that appeared to show cancelled hotel bookings.
Had a 3 week booking worth ₹5 lacs from 1st Feb 2024 at Palms Retreat, Fulhadhoo, Maldives. Cancelled it immediately after their Ministers being racists.
Jai Hind 🇮🇳#BoycottMaldives #Maldives #MaldivesKMKB pic.twitter.com/wpfh47mG55
— Rushik Rawal (@RushikRawal) January 6, 2024
Cancelled #Maldives booking #SayNoToMaldives
BTW on my previous trip to Maldives (2011), our trip consisted of a stay in Presential Suit at Diva Maldives with sea plane transfers and a stay at the Ocean Suit with Private pool at Taj Exotica. Indians aren't low spenders pic.twitter.com/fVzrLN1HQb
— Deeptanshu Shukla दीप्तांशु शुक्ल (@deeptanshukla) January 6, 2024
Some said they would holiday in Lakshadweep or the Andaman Islands instead.
What is the need to go to Maldives when we have our very own Beautiful Island .. #Lakshadweep 🏝️🏖️#ExploreIndianIslands #BoycottMaldives pic.twitter.com/IKQURWiZuC
— ICT forever💙 (@ictttttttt) January 7, 2024
(With inputs by Pia Krishnankutty)
Also read: Modi, Muizzu discussed Indian troop withdrawal at COP28. India agreed, claims Maldives President