In a step to mend strained relations, Maldives’ Foreign Minister, Moosa Zameer, affirmed that derogatory remarks made by some officials against Bharatiya Prime Minister Narendra Modi do not reflect the government’s stance.
During his first official visit to Bharat, Zameer assured that “proper action” has been taken to address the issue and prevent its recurrence. Speaking to ANI, he emphasized the government’s disapproval of such remarks and expressed regret over the incident, attributing it to a misunderstanding exacerbated by social media.
#WATCH | Delhi: On derogatory remarks against India, Foreign Minister of Maldives, Moosa Zameer says, "If you have seen as you said, we have said that it's not the stand of the government or we believe that it shouldn't have been done. We are taking proper action to make sure… pic.twitter.com/JRAKhNkHk2
— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2024
The controversy erupted following derogatory posts made by three Maldivian Deputy Youth Ministers directed at Prime Minister Modi. Responding, the Maldivian President’s Office suspended the officials indefinitely while ensuring their continued receipt of salaries.
Minister Ibrahim Khaleel clarified that the suspensions were a measure aimed at investigating the matter, signaling the government’s commitment to addressing the issue.
Concerns have arisen regarding a potential decline in Bharatiya tourist visits to the Maldives following the controversy, as Bharatiya tourists are among the largest contributors to the country’s economy.
Acknowledging, Minister Zameer expressed the Maldivian government’s eagerness to restore ties with Bharat and extended an invitation to Bharatiya tourists. He highlighted the historical significance of Bharatiya tourists as a vital market for Maldives’ tourism sector and expressed confidence in a resurgence of Bharatiya tourist arrivals in the near future.
Zameer’s visit to Bharat occurs amidst strained relations between the two nations under President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. In addition, Bharat’s decision to replace its military personnel stationed in the Maldives before May 10 has added to the diplomatic tensions. This move follows Muizzu’s election campaign promise to remove Bharatiya troops from the nation.
ALSO READ: “EAM Jaishankar Seeks Alignment of Perspectives in Meeting with Maldives Counterpart”
Earlier in April, the Bharatiya Ministry of External Affairs announced the deployment of technical personnel to replace defence personnel stationed in the Maldives. This decision reflects a shift in military presence as part of Bharat’s response to evolving diplomatic dynamics in the region.
Despite these developments, both nations have engaged in high-level core group meetings, signaling efforts to navigate bilateral challenges and maintain diplomatic dialogue.
In current scenario, around 70 Bharatiya troops, along with maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters, are stationed in the Maldives. The impending withdrawal of Bharatiya military personnel underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indian Ocean region and its implications for bilateral relations between Bharat and the Maldives.
Comments