India Reads Riot Act to Maldives, Wants Errant Ministers Dismissed
The Maldivian high commissioner to India was summoned on Monday to the external affairs ministry and was read the riot act over derogatory remarks posted on social media against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by several ministers in President Mohamed Muizzu’s government.
According to sources, the Maldivian high commissioner, Ibrahim Shaheeb, was informed that the Maldives has severely damaged the bilateral relationship, and it is now the responsibility of President Muizzu to mend it. The envoy was emphatically told that the three junior ministers should not only be suspended but completely dismissed.
The meeting between the high commissioner and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was brief, lasting only four minutes, and marked by a no-nonsense approach, as described by sources.
New Delhi is expressing outrage over President Muizzu’s silence regarding the inappropriate behavior of the three junior ministers, particularly the two female ministers who are supposed to represent the President. The MEA is even raising the possibility that these ministers were deliberately instructed to cause this outrage just before President Muizzu’s visit to China, where he intends to seek funds from President Xi Jinping.
The three deputy ministers in question had made objectionable remarks about Modi in response to his post about ‘X,’ which seemed to suggest that the Union Territory of Lakshadweep was being touted as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.
The Maldivian foreign ministry released a statement on Sunday acknowledging the presence of derogatory remarks on social media platforms targeting foreign leaders. However, they clarified that these opinions are personal and do not reflect the views of the Maldivian government.
As tensions escalate between India and the Maldives, India is adamant about holding the Maldivian government accountable for the offensive remarks made by its ministers. The Indian government expects swift action from President Muizzu to rectify the situation and repair the bilateral relationship.
The derogatory comments made by ministers against Prime Minister Modi have caused a significant strain in the diplomatic ties between the two nations. India, as a key regional power, expects a respectful and cooperative approach from its neighboring country.
The international community is watching closely to see how President Muizzu responds to India’s strong stance. The incidents have underscored the need for open and respectful dialogue between the leaders of India and the Maldives to address concerns and work towards rebuilding the strained relationship.
Furthermore, skepticism lingers over President Muizzu’s upcoming visit to China. Some experts question whether he can effectively negotiate and secure funds from President Xi Jinping amid the diplomatic turmoil caused by his government’s ministers.
In the coming days, India’s response to President Muizzu’s actions and the Maldives’ willingness to address the issue could have significant implications for the future of bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
India’s firm approach highlights its commitment to maintaining respectful and constructive diplomatic relations with its neighbors. As both countries navigate this delicate situation, the focus remains on restoring trust and achieving meaningful progress for the betterment of the region.
In summary, India has strongly condemned the derogatory remarks made by ministers in the Maldivian government about Prime Minister Modi. There is mounting pressure on President Muizzu to take swift action and dismiss the errant ministers, as India seeks to repair the strained bilateral relationship. The international community is closely observing how the situation unfolds, with the upcoming visit to China adding an additional layer of complexity to the ongoing diplomatic challenges between India and the Maldives.
