India Expresses Concern over Maldives Minister Shiuna’s ‘Derogatory’ Comments on PM Modi, Sparking Outrage | 10 Key Points
Alina
India Expresses Concern over Maldives Minister Shiuna’s ‘Derogatory’ Comments on PM Modi, Sparking Outrage | 10 Key Points
Tensions escalated between India and Maldives following derogatory remarks made by a Maldivian minister concerning Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
Mariyam Shiuna, the Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment in Maldives, used terms like ‘clown’ and ‘puppet’ to describe the Prime Minister of India.
These offensive comments triggered widespread outrage in India, leading to calls for boycotting travel to Maldives due to its perceived anti-India stance.
Amidst the growing controversy, former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed criticized the comments made by the Maldivian minister, emphasizing India’s role as a “key ally” for the security and prosperity of the archipelago nation.
Expressing his dismay, Nasheed stated, “What appalling language by Maldives Government official Mariyam Shiuna towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for the Maldives’ security and prosperity,” in a post on social media.
Nasheed urged the Mohammad Muizzu government to disassociate itself from the derogatory remarks and provide a clear assurance to India that these comments do not reflect government policy.
Responding to the situation, the newly-elected government of Mohammad Muizzu distanced itself from the minister’s remarks, assuring that relevant authorities would take action against those making such derogatory comments.
India, in response, expressed concerns over the remarks directed at the Indian Prime Minister, initiating diplomatic channels to communicate India’s stance to Maldivian officials.
This development coincides with Mohammad Muizzu’s election campaign, which prominently featured an anti-India stance, leading to strained relations between the two nations since his assumption of the presidency.
The new Maldivian government is noticeably aligning itself with the Arab world, as evidenced by Mohammad Muizzu’s initial international trip to Turkey—a nation known for its anti-India views.
