The Exterior Affairs Ministry on Monday summoned Maldivian envoy to India Ibrahim Shaheeb after three deputy ministers of the island nation made alleged derogatory remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media.
The feedback pertained to Modi’s publish exhibiting him snorkelling throughout his latest go to to Lakshadweep. Maldivian minister Maryam Shiuna had reacted to the image calling Modi a “clown”. “The puppet of Israel Mr Narendra diver with life jacket,” she had stated in her now-deleted publish.
Following the uproar, Shiuna and two different minsters – Malsha Shareef and Mahzoom Majid – had been suspended on Sunday.
#WATCH | Ibrahim Shaheeb, Maldives Envoy exits the MEA in Delhi’s South Block.
He had reached the Ministry amid row over Maldives MP’s publish on PM Modi’s go to to Lakshadweep. pic.twitter.com/Dxsj3nkNvw
— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2024
The Maldives authorities additionally distanced itself from the remarks, saying that the ministers’ opinions are private and don’t symbolize its views.
“Freedom of expression must be exercised in a democratic and accountable method, and in methods that don’t unfold hatred, negativity, and hinder shut relationships between the Maldives and worldwide companions,” the Maldives Ministry of Overseas Affairs stated in an announcement.
Ties between India and the Maldives have been strained after President Mohamed Muizzu was sworn into energy in November.
Muizzu is extensively seen as sympathetic to China’s pursuits in his nation, in distinction to his predecessor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih who had sought nearer ties with India at the same time as authorities critics accused him of “compromising the sovereignty” of the island nation.
Additionally learn: Why a social media row over Modi’s tweets led to the suspension of three Maldives ministers
