India-Maldives relations
Map indicating locations of India and Maldives

India
Maldives

The relationship between India and the Maldives, traditionally close neighbours with strong historical and cultural ties, faced a recent strain due to derogatory remarks by Maldivian officials and concerns over racism.[1]

Derogatory remarks

In January 2024, three Maldivian deputy ministers, Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, made disparaging remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indians on social media, coinciding with his visit to Lakshadweep, a group of Indian islands in the Indian Ocean.[2] The remarks triggered strong reactions in India, with the Indian High Commission in Maldives raising the issue strongly with the Maldivian government.[3]

The Maldivian government, under President Mohamed Muizzu, swiftly distanced itself from the comments, suspending the three deputy ministers and emphasizing that their opinions did not reflect the official stance.[3] This swift action helped mitigate the immediate tension and demonstrated the Maldivian government's commitment to maintaining good relations with India.[4]

As of 7 January 2024, the Maldivian government issued a statement condemning derogatory remarks made on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals.[5] The statement clarified that these opinions are personal and do not reflect the official stance of the Maldivian government. The statement reaffirmed the government's commitment to freedom of expression exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, emphasizing it should not hinder close relations with international partners.[6] Additionally, the statement indicated that relevant authorities may take action against individuals making such remarks.[7]

  1. ↑ ""Indians Rightfully Angry": Maldives MP Amid Row Over Ministers' Remarks". NDTV.com. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
  2. ↑ Bhaumik, Anirban. "Maldives suspends 3 deputy ministers after India raises issue of derogatory remarks against PM Modi". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
  3. 1 2 "'Opinions personal': Maldives warns leaders over social media attacks on PM Modi". India Today. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
  4. ↑ Pandey, Ashish (2024-01-08). ""Shameful, Racist": Maldives MP Condemns Ministers' Remark On India, PM Modi - Times of Viral". Retrieved 2024-01-08.
  5. ↑ "HT's full coverage of Maldives row: PM Modi's tweet, ministers' remarks and more". Hindustan Times. 2024-01-07. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
  6. ↑ "Maldives govt suspends 3 ministers over racist remarks against PM Modi for Lakshadweep post: Reports". The Times of India. 2024-01-08. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
  7. ↑ Bhattacherjee, Kallol (2024-01-07). "Maldives suspends three Deputy Ministers as India raises issue of disrespectful remarks against PM". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
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