Three Maldivian leaders are under custody 

Three Maldivian 

The Maldives government has refuted the comments and asked officials to refrain from taking any actions that could damage relations with foreign allies.

The Maldives government distanced itself from the remarks and advised staff not to take any action that would harm relations with foreign allies, but on Sunday it suspended at least three ministers for making disparaging remarks about India and its leadership on social media.

Dubai, Dec. 1 (ANI): On Friday, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in Dubai. (ANI Image)(ANI)

Dubai, Dec. 1 (ANI): On Friday in Dubai, President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Image from ANI)(ANI)

Over the weekend, the dispute broke out when many Maldivian leaders, including Zahid Rameez, aFollowing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the islands, statements on social media depicting Lakshadweep as a tourism destination that rivals the Maldives drew the ire of deputy minister Mariyam Shiuna, leader of the government-affiliated Progressive Party of the Maldives.

With HT, close off the previous year and get ready for 2024! Go here to go there.

Ibrahim Khaleel, a spokesman for the Maldives president, stated, "All government officials responsible for the comments have been suspended from their post effective immediately."

Khaleel did not name the officials, but Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid—all deputy ministers in the ministry of youth empowerment, information, and art—were named in reports published in the Maldivian media.It was unable to verify whether any Rameez was the target of action.

On condition of anonymity, those with knowledge of the situation stated that the Indian side had complained to the Maldives about the disparaging comments. The dispute arises at a time when India is urged to remove some 77 Indian military personnel stationed in the Indian Ocean archipelago to operate two helicopters and an aircraft. Mohamed Muizzu, the newly elected president of the Maldives, is thought to be pro-China.

In a post on X after his recent visit to Lakshadweep, Modi praised the “stunning beauty” of the islands and the “incredible warmth” of its people, writing, “Lakshadweep has to be on your list for those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them.”

This sparked multiple social media posts. The media is pushing Indian tourists to travel to Lakshadweep rather than the Maldives due to the Male government's pro-China stance. In addition to defying expectations, Muizzu, who took office in November of last year, recently declared that he will first visit China before moving on to India. While Muizzu's first bilateral visit was to Turkey, Maldivian presidents often make their first stop in New Delhi.

Shiuna on X called the Indian PM a “puppet of Israel” in response to one such post. Screen captures of the message were extensively circulated on social media before she removed it. Shiuna expressed her disapproval of India's "military presence" in the Maldives in a different post. Similar disparaging posts by Malsha Shareef additionally Mahzoom Majid Abdullah.

In response to one of these posts on X, Rameez declared that it is "delusional" to think of the islands as a rival to the Maldives. "How can they provide the service we offer?" he continued. How are they so spotless? The largest drawback will be the lingering odor in the rooms.

In a statement released earlier on Sunday, the Maldivian foreign ministry said that the government is aware of "derogatory remarks against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals on social media platforms." The statement went on, "These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of the Maldives," omitting any mention of India.

The administration "believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner," the statement continued. and in a manner that doesn't impede close ties between the Maldives and its foreign allies and propagate animosity and hostility.

Additionally, the statement stated that "the relevant authorities of the Government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks."

The deputy ministers' acts were criticized by other Maldivian officials, such as former president Mohamed Nasheed, former president Ibrahim Solih, and former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid. Shiuna's "appalling language" "towards the leader of a key ally that is instrumental for Maldives’ security and prosperity," according to Nasheed, who also stated Muizzu’s government needs to provide India with a "clear assurance they do not reflect [government] policy" in a post on X.

"India has consistently been the Maldives' close friend and We can't let these insensitive comments damage the long-standing partnership between our two nations," Solih stated on X.

The remarks made by the deputy ministers and a member of the ruling coalition against Modi and the Indian people are "reprehensible and odious," according to a post by Shahid on X. "India is a proven friend and steadfast ally," he continued. In the past, when we were in need, they were the first to help. Mutual respect, history, culture, and solid people-to-people ties have all bonded our intimate friendship.

With HT, open up a world of benefits! All of it is available with just one click, from enlightening newsletters to real-time news alerts and a customized news feed!- Register Now! Get Up-to-Date News on India along with the most recent headlines and news from India and across the globe