Maldivian Ministers Resign After Controversial Remarks on Indian PM Modi, Ahead of President Muizzu’s Planned Visit to India

Two junior ministers in the Maldivian government resigned ahead of President Mohamed Muizzu's upcoming visit to New Delhi, following their suspension earlier this year for disparaging comments about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a Maldivian official said on Wednesday.

Malsha Shareef and Mariyam Shiuna, who held positions in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, stepped down after being disciplined in January alongside fellow minister Abdulla Mahzoom Majid. The disciplinary action was taken after the three made derogatory comments on social media platform X, where they labeled Modi a "clown," "terrorist," and "puppet of Israel."

The remarks came in response to Modi's promotion of tourism in the Indian islands of Lakshadweep, a move perceived as a signal to pro-China President Muizzu, who had earlier pledged to end the Maldives' "India first" policy. The incident sparked anger in New Delhi and led to a social media campaign by Indian celebrities promoting local tourism in the Maldives, impacting Indian tourist arrivals to the island nation.

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A government official confirmed the resignations of Shareef and Shiuna but declined to provide further details, citing a lack of authorization to speak to the media. Muizzu’s office has not yet commented on the resignations.

Local media reported that President Muizzu's spokesperson announced his intention to make an official visit to India "very soon." This would mark Muizzu's first visit to New Delhi since he assumed office last year, in a region where both India and China vie for strategic influence.

Following his election victory, Muizzu made a state visit to Beijing and attended Prime Minister Modi's swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi in June after India's general elections. However, relations between India and the Maldives were strained after Muizzu's win in April when he demanded the replacement of 80 Indian defense personnel stationed in the Maldives with civilians as part of his "India out" campaign.

India complied with the request, completing the replacements in May. Since then, both nations have engaged in diplomatic discussions to mend their ties and strengthen cooperation.

India and the Maldives share a historically close relationship, with New Delhi playing a significant role in the island nation's socio-economic and infrastructure development. The diplomatic outreach between the two countries continues as they aim to stabilize their partnership amidst regional competition with China.