The government of the Maldives has swiftly taken action by suspending ministers responsible for making inappropriate social media comments about India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This decisive move was prompted by concerns raised by the Indian High Commission in Maldives, resulting in widespread condemnation and some Indians canceling planned trips to the renowned island nation known for its pristine beaches.

According to sources, “the Indian High Commission in Maldives strongly expressed concerns about the derogatory comments made by certain ministers in the Maldives government regarding PM Modi.” This development aligns with the Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu-led government distancing itself from the controversial remarks made by its minister.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives issued a statement today (Sunday, Jan 7, 2024), addressing concerns raised by the Government of India regarding insulting posts on social media. The statement confirmed the suspension of individuals holding government positions who made such posts, without disclosing their names. However, local media reports suggest that the suspended ministers include Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha, and Hassan Zihan.

This move follows India’s expression of concern on Sunday over recent derogatory remarks made by a Maldivian minister against PM Modi. The Maldives government’s official statement underlined the importance of exercising freedom of expression responsibly in a democratic manner, avoiding the spread of hatred, negativity, and potential strains on close relationships with international partners.

“The relevant authorities of the government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks,” the statement asserted.

The controversy erupted when Maldives Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, used derogatory language, referring to PM Modi as a ‘clown’ and ‘puppet’ during his recent visit to the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. These remarks triggered widespread outrage in India, with calls for boycotting travel to the Maldives.

Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed condemned Shiuna’s comments, emphasizing India’s role as a key ally for the security and prosperity of the archipelago nation. Nasheed urged the Muizzu government to distance itself from the derogatory remarks and assure India that they do not reflect government policy.

Meanwhile …

President Mohamed Muizzu will pay a state visit to China from Jan. 8 to 12, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. Muizzu, who took over as president in November, issued an election pledge to remove a small contingent of around 75 Indian military personnel in the country and alter the Maldives’s “India first” policy.

Responding to talk of President Muizzu making a state visit to China, during the weekly briefing on Thursday (Jan 4, 2024) New Delhi stated that the matter was out of its hands. “It is for them to decide where they go and how they go about their international relations,” official spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Randhir Jaiswal said, adding that he had no update on the removal of Indian military personnel from the islands.

While both New Delhi and Beijing vie for influence in the region, Muizzu’s government is considered to be leaning towards China. The Maldives owes China about US$1.3 billion, according to the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) data, making China the Maldives’ largest external creditor, accounting for about 20 percent of its total public debt.

Unlike most of his predecessors who visited India first after being elected, Muizzu chose Turkey as his first international port of call. As reported previously in Financial Express Online, he later met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the sidelines of COP28. The two countries have set up a core group to discuss the withdrawal of Indian troops.