A day after three ministers were suspended from the Maldivian ministry for making disparaging comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the foreign minister of the island nation Moosa Zameer has stated that his country regards such remarks against foreign leaders as "unacceptable".
In a post shared on X, Moosa Zameer stated, "The recent remarks against foreign leaders and our close neighbours are unacceptable and do not reflect the official position of the Government of #Maldives. We remain committed to fostering a positive and constructive dialogue with all our partners, especially our neighbours, based on mutual respect and understanding."
This came as Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment Mariyam Shiuna made mocking and disrespectful reference to PM Modi over his Lakshadweep visit. Two other ministers, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid, were also suspended over their 'insulting' remarks.
Former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih too had condemned the use of 'hateful language' against India while stressing how New Delhi has always been a good friend to the island nation. He stressed that "India has always been a good friend to the Maldives and we must not allow such callous remarks to negatively impact the age-old friendship between our two countries."
Former Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid said the objectionable remarks against the former and fellow Indian natives on social media are 'reprehensible' and 'odious'.
Meanwhile, former Deputy Speaker of the island nation Eva Abdulla on Sunday too labelled the comments as "shameful and racist".
Abdulla, who is also a sitting MP, told NDTV that the outrage over the comments was understandable. "Indians are rightfully angry. The comments made are outrageous. However, the comments are in no way a reflection of the opinion of the Maldivian people. I'd like to apologise personally to the people of India for the shameful comments made," she said.
She also exhorted the people to end the #BoycottMaldives social media campaign and "come back" to the islands for holidays. "Comments from one or two people should not be a reflection of the way Maldivian people see India. We want to ask Indians to return to Maldives and end the boycott campaign," she said.