Former ministers of Maldives show support for India after derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stirring controversy within the Maldives government. The comments made by certain ministers have resulted in their suspension, while former President Mohammed Nasheed has distanced the Maldives government from these statements.
The derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi have sparked outrage among former ministers of Maldives, with many expressing their support for India. Former Maldives president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih condemned the hateful language against India, highlighting the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
Former minister Ahmed Adeeb strongly condemned the derogatory and racist comments and emphasized the importance of maintaining positive relations with all nations, particularly for the vulnerable tourism industry and economy of the Maldives. Adeeb stressed the significance of maintaining strong relationships, considering the tourism sector’s dependence on tourism from India.
Former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid called on the government to reprimand the officials responsible for the remarks and stressed the historical and strong relationship between India and the Maldives. Shahid emphasized the need to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to diplomatic relations.
Controversy arose when Prime Minister Modi’s post about snorkeling in Lakshadweep went viral, leading to suggestions of it becoming an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives. This sparked a series of comments from Maldives government officials, including derogatory remarks made by Deputy Minister Mariyam Shiuna against PM Modi. Shiuna’s comments drew criticism from former President Nasheed.
Another minister accused India of targeting the Maldives and claimed India faced challenges in competing with them in beach tourism. This led to the hashtag #BoycottMaldives gaining traction as many Indians canceled their tour bookings.
Former Youth minister Ahmed Mahloof expressed concern about the potential impact of an Indian boycott on the Maldives’ economy and urged the government to take swift action to address the situation. Mahloof stressed the need for a united effort to protect the fragile tourism industry and maintain positive relations with India.
In response to the derogatory comments, the Maldives government suspended ministers Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha, and Hassan Zihan. The government took this action to demonstrate its commitment to maintaining diplomatic decorum and preserving the strong relationship between the Maldives and India.
As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen how the Maldives government will address the situation and mend the strained ties with India. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining respectful and cordial relationships between nations, particularly in the midst of a global tourism industry heavily impacted by the ongoing pandemic.
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