India Summons Maldives High Commissioner Over Derogatory Remarks about PM Modi

India has summoned the high commissioner of Maldives following a diplomatic row over derogatory remarks made by three suspended officials about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The deputy ministers, Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, referred to Mr. Modi as a "clown," "terrorist," and a "puppet of Israel," leading to their immediate suspension. A spokesperson for the Maldivian Foreign Ministry clarified that the comments were personal and did not reflect the official views of the government. The controversial remarks triggered an uproar and calls for boycotts on Indian social media platforms. President Mohamed Muizzu's office announced the immediate suspension of all government officials responsible for the comments. Despite demands for their dismissal, the three officials have been temporarily suspended.

Tensions between India and the Maldives have been escalating since President Muizzu ordered approximately 75 Indian troops to leave the country last year after assuming power. The recent incident further strains diplomatic ties between the two nations. The derogatory comments were made in response to Prime Minister Modi's social media post promoting tourism to the Indian island chain of Lakshadweep. The remarks sparked outrage on Indian social media, with hashtags such as #BoycottMaldives and #ExploreIndianIslands trending. Some Indians expressed their intent to cancel holidays to the Maldives, a popular tourist destination.

The CEO of Indian ticket-booking site EaseMyTrip announced the suspension of all flight bookings to the Maldives in response to the controversy. Prominent figures, including Bollywood star Akshay Kumar and several cricketers, expressed dismay over the comments. Former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih condemned the "hateful language against India" and emphasized the importance of maintaining the long-standing friendship between the two countries. The Maldivian officials' controversial posts were deleted following the public outcry. In response, the Maldives's high commissioner to India, Ibrahim Shaheeb, was seen leaving the Indian foreign ministry's office in Delhi.

The diplomatic dispute coincides with President Muizzu's upcoming five-day state visit to China, starting Monday. This move is considered a diplomatic setback for India, which is working to counter China's increasing influence in the Indian Ocean region. Indian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated last week that it is for the Maldivian government to decide their international relations, responding to questions about President Muizzu's visit to Beijing. He also mentioned that there is no update on the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives, as India claims its security personnel are in the country to maintain donated maritime rescue and surveillance aircraft.

President Muizzu's efforts to shift away from India's influence include terminating a bilateral agreement with India in December, allowing Delhi to collaborate in mapping the seabed in Maldivian territorial waters. The Maldivian government stated that the deal, set to expire in June next year, would not be renewed, signaling a shift in the geopolitical dynamics of the region as India and China vie for strategic influence in the Indian Ocean.