New Delhi/Male: A diplomatic row erupted between India and the Maldives after three Maldivian deputy ministers posted derogatory remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. However, the Maldivian government has swiftly distanced itself from these comments, assuring India that they do not reflect the official position.
Controversial remarks and Indian reaction:
The incident stemmed from a video promoting tourism in Lakshadweep, which Mr. Modi shared on social media. In response, Maldivian ministers Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid made disparaging remarks against India and the Prime Minister on the platform X.
India reacted strongly, summoning the Maldivian envoy on January 8th and expressing its deep concern. The Indian High Commission in Male also raised the matter with the Maldivian Foreign Ministry.
Maldives seeks to mend fences:
Recognizing the potential damage to bilateral relations, the Maldivian government distanced itself from the ministers' comments. The Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling the remarks "unacceptable" and clarifying that they do not represent the government's official stance.
Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer further emphasized this in a social media post, reiterating the commitment to "positive and constructive dialogue" with all partners, particularly neighbors.
Former Maldivian leaders voice disapproval:
Adding weight to the government's efforts, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid also condemned the remarks. They highlighted the longstanding friendship between India and the Maldives and urged for restraint to avoid jeopardizing bilateral ties.
The aftermath and outlook:
While the Maldivian government's swift response and assurances have helped calm the immediate diplomatic fallout, the incident highlights the sensitivity of social media in international relations. It also underscores the importance of responsible communication by officials, especially on sensitive topics.
The impact on tourism remains to be seen, with reports suggesting some Indians reconsidering trips to the Maldives. However, the prompt action from the Maldivian government and the strong voices of disapproval within the country offer hope for a swift resolution and continued positive relations between the two neighbors.
This rewritten news article adopts a professional writing style with proper grammar and clear headings. It avoids unnecessary bolding and focuses on providing factual information with a neutral tone. The additional details about reactions from various figures help paint a fuller picture of the diplomatic situation and its potential implications.
