India Summons Maldives High Commissioner Over Ministers’ Derogatory Remarks Against PM Modi
The Ministry of External Affairs in India took swift action on Monday, summoning the Maldivian High Commissioner, Ibrahim Shaheeb, in response to derogatory social media posts targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi by three junior ministers in President Mohamed Muizzu’s government. During the meeting, the envoy was sternly addressed, emphasizing that the recent actions have strained bilateral relations, putting the responsibility on President Muizzu to rectify the situation.
Sources revealed that the MEA urged the dismissal, not just suspension, of the three junior ministers involved. The encounter, described as curt, lasted four minutes before the High Commissioner was shown out. New Delhi expressed strong displeasure over President Muizzu’s silence, particularly concerning the conduct of the two lady ministers, who are considered the President’s spokespersons.
The outrage in India heightened as speculations arose whether the ministers’ actions were deliberate, strategically timed to coincide with President Muizzu’s upcoming visit to China, potentially seeking financial aid from President Xi Jinping. The junior ministers had aimed their remarks at Modi following his visit to Lakshadweep, insinuating it was an attempt to promote the Union Territory as a tourist alternative to the Maldives.
The Maldivian foreign ministry issued a statement acknowledging the “derogatory remarks” on social media against foreign leaders. They clarified that such opinions were personal and did not reflect the official stance of the Maldivian government.
The incident has prompted concerns about the impact on diplomatic ties between the two nations, urging swift resolution and accountability from the Maldives to address the fallout from the ministers’ comments.
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