The unfortunate controversy arises between India and Maldives as Maldivian ministers get summoned for making a derogatory comment on social media against PM Narendra Modi. Three of the deputy ministers were suspended by the Maldivian government for such questionable behaviour. The Maldivian deputy minister Mariyam Shiuna posted a disrespectful comment on the social media platform X, which was later deleted, creating some serious tensions between the two countries.
The issue was raised by the Indian high commission with the Maldivian authorities. On which the former Maldivian president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih pointed out the social media platform X to restrict the use of “hateful language” and said that this is a personal comment and it has nothing to do with the government’s intentions to hurt the sentiments of the historical relationship between India and Maldives. The former Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid also came forward on the situation and labelled the remarks as ‘reprehensible’ and ‘odious’.
India’s film industry was seen rallying in support of PM Modi and strongly criticizing the comments and disrespectful behaviour of the Maldivian ministers. The Indian domestic tourism development is vital for the country and the promotion of Lakshadweep Beach by PM Modi was one such practice.
The Indian travelling company “Easemytrip” in support of PM Modi cancelled the offerings of travel plans to the Maldives. Apart from that, more than 8000 hotel bookings got cancelled and approx. 2000 flight bookings got cancelled as the tension continued to escalate.
The observers are closely looking at the situation for potential economic ramifications between India and the Maldives.