The Maldivian government under President Mohamed Muizzu, who came to power with an “India Out” poll campaign, suspended three of its ministers on Sunday for making derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of Bharat and attempted to damage control. Significantly, travel agency, EaseMy Trip has suspended all flight bookings to Maldives on its website, announced CEO Nishant Pitti on Monday. He took to X and stated that the travel agency had suspended all Maldives Flight bookings in solidarity with Bharat.
Maldivian ministers Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid were suspended with immediate effect and the Muizzu government has also distanced itself from the ministers and their comments. It was the Bharatiya High Commission in Male that raised concerns with the Maldivian President over certain ministers’ derogatory remarks on PM Modi and the Bharatiyas.
Notably, the ministers’ insulting remarks targeting Bharat and PM Modi came after the Prime Minister posted pictures and videos from his visit to Lakshadweep, where he also tried snorkeling.
Releasing a statement without naming its ministers the Maldivian government said that it is aware of the derogatory remarks against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals that are doing rounds on social media. It added that these opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Maldivian government, asserting that the government believes that freedom of expression must be exercised democratically and responsibly. The statement further added that someone’s remarks must not spread hatred, or negativity, or hinder close relationships between Maldives and its international partners.
Soon after the insulting remarks went viral, many came out in Bharat’s support and condemned Maldives for their stand against New Delhi. Former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohmed Solih took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to condemn the remarks against Bharat, adding that New Delhi has always been a good friend to Maldives. Solih added that the island nation must never allow such callous remarks that could negatively impact the age-old friendship between the two countries.
Meanwhile, former President Mohamed Nasheed criticized the “appalling language” used by Minister Mariyam Shiuna towards a key leader of an important ally. He also advised the Muizzu government to distance itself from such remarks and give clear assurance to New Delhi that they do not reflect the government’s policy.
Former Deputy Speaker of the island nation, Eva Abdulla labeled the remarks by the ministers as “shameful and racist”, and apologized to Bharat, requesting the Bharatiya citizens to end the Maldives boycott campaign. She noted that Indians are rightfully angry, but asserted that these comments do not reflect the opinions of the Maldivian citizens.
A slew of Bharatiya actors such as Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, John Abraham, and Shraddha Kapoor, among others, criticized the derogatory remarks made by Maldivian ministers and went on to praise Lakshadweep and other beaches in Bharat by posting its pictures.
Significantly, travel agency, EaseMy Trip has suspended all flight bookings to Maldives on its website, announced CEO Nishant Pitti on Monday. He took to X and stated that the travel agency had suspended all Maldives Flight bookings in solidarity with Bharat.
It must be noted that according to the Maldivian Tourism Ministry, the highest number of tourists from Bharat visited Maldives in 2023, while Russians constituted the second-largest group. However, the Tour Operators in Bharat have informed that there haven’t been any new inquiries by people for visiting the Maldives, and are also getting a lot of calls for the cancellation of holidays in Male.
Amid its diplomatic row with Bharat, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu departed for his state visit to China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that Muizzu’s visit would mark a “high-profile snub” to Maldives neighbor, Bharat. However, Bharat’s Foreign Minister Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted it is for Maldives to decide where they go and what they do about their international relations.
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