Help Defuse The Diplomatic Crisis Between India And The Maldives, Says An Ex-Foreign Minister, Citing A “Element Of Racism”
Not long before Muizzu leaves for his first state visit to China, there is a scandal around remarks made about Modi by three Maldivian officials who have since been suspended.
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep, several officials in the Mohamed Muizzu government made disparaging remarks about him. On Monday, former Maldivian foreign minister Dunya Maumoon expressed her grave concern about this diplomatic standoff with India.
In a statement denouncing the incident, the foreign ministry “very clearly stated that though we have freedom of expression, the kind of language that has been used was unacceptable,” as Maumoon repeated.
“I personally strongly condemn the element of racism,” the speaker said.
A significant dispute surfaced after a few subordinate officials in the Maldives administration made offensive comments in response to tweets made by Prime Minister Modi on his official X account, which promoted Lakshadweep’s immaculate beaches to Indian tourists.
Similar to the Maldives, Lakshadweep is located off the southwest coast of the Indian subcontinent.
The hashtag #BoycottMaldives quickly gained traction on social media, and a number of well-known Indians endorsed the idea of visiting Indian beaches rather than the archipelago known for its opulent island resorts and powder-soft beaches.
As the controversy grew, the foreign ministry of the Maldives stated that although the government is aware of “derogatory remarks” made against foreign leaders on social media, the personal opinions do not reflect the government’s stance.
Afterwards, Muizzu suspended three of his deputy ministers for making disparaging remarks on social media against the islands’ nearest neighbor and the main source of tourism revenue.
But, India read the riot code to the Maldivian envoy after becoming dissatisfied with the move. According to sources familiar with the situation, President Muizzu was informed that President Shaheeb, the high commissioner for the Maldives, had to mend the bilateral relationship as the Maldives had damaged it.
The envoy was further convinced that the ministers in question ought to be fired rather than merely placed on leave.
The event occurs during President Xi Jinping’s invitation for Muizzu to make a state visit to China.
India and China have been competing for influence in the Maldives, which are located along a major east-west shipping route, during the last ten years. The Maldives has joined China’s “Belt and Road” plan, which aims to develop ports, railroads, and highways throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe in order to increase trade and China’s influence.
India is another vital partner, but since Muizzu, who is seen as pro-Chinese, was elected in November on the strength of his “Out India” campaign, ties have gotten worse. He had promised to withdraw a small number of Indian military soldiers stationed in the nation of the islands, mainly for the purpose of relief and rescue efforts.
Regarding the importance of India’s support for the Maldives over the years, Maumoon recognized India as one of the Maldives’ closest allies and partners.
“I recall numerous notable initiatives, including the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital. The field of defense has seen close collaboration…We value this connection very much, and I hope that the current crisis may be addressed quickly,” she stated, pleading with the Indian media and government to “help de-escalate” the situation.
