India’s Ministry of External Affairs has summoned the Maldivian Ambassador, Ibrahim Shaheeb, following derogatory comments made by three deputy ministers of the Maldives government about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This diplomatic action, adhering to standard protocol, aims to express India’s profound dissatisfaction over significant national issues.
The controversy unfolded on January 4 when Indian Prime Minister Modi shared a video promoting tourism in India’s Lakshadweep archipelago on various social media platforms. Despite India being the primary tourism market for the Maldives in 2023, comments from Indian nationals suggested that they should prioritize visiting their own territories rather than the Maldives. The social media banter between Indians and Maldivians took a contentious turn when three Deputy Ministers of the Youth Ministry—Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid—responded to the original post with derogatory remarks, employing inappropriate language.
In response to the incident, the Maldives government has taken swift action, suspending the three officials. Additionally, a statement has been issued, affirming the government’s commitment to taking measures against those who show disrespect towards foreign leaders.
