Maldives foreign ministry clarified to the Indian envoy on Monday that the recent controversial remarks by a few members of the cabinet do not represent the official stand of the government. Maldives on Sunday issued a statement saying the controversial remarks made by a few suspended ministers were “personal opinions”.
India’s High Commissioner to Maldives Munu Mahawar met with Dr Ali Naseer Mohamed, Ambassador at Large, at MoFA, Maldives to clarify the country’s stand. Earlier today, India also summoned Maldives’s High Commissioner to India, Ibrahim Shaheeb, to register India’s strong protest to the comments and reportedly told the commissioner that Maldives has spoiled the bilateral relationship and the onus is on President Muizzu to repair it, Hindustan Times reported.
“High Commissioner Munu Mahawar had a pre-arranged meeting with H.E. Dr Ali Naseer Mohamed, Ambassador at Large, at MoFA, Maldives, today to discuss bilateral issues,” India’s High Commission tweeted.
Reportedly, the Ambassador at Large clarified to India’s High Commissioner that the remarks of three deputy ministers do not represent the views of the government. Sun quoting a Maldives official who is in the know of developments reported that Naseer made it clear to the Indian High Commissioner that the remarks do not reflect the views of the Maldivian government. The Ambassador reportedly reaffirmed Maldives’ continued support for its neighbour.
Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid - three deputy ministers at the Youth Ministry - had made derogatory remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media platform X, in response to a video promoting tourism in Lakshadweep. The three ministers were suspended on Sunday after the remarks sparked an uproar on Indian social media.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Maldives government said, "The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives.”
-with PTI inputs.