Maldives' Former Leader Solih Criticizes 'Hate Speech' Directed at PM Modi

A diplomatic uproar erupted as Maldives ministers' derogatory remarks against PM Modi sparked Indian backlash, prompting cancellations of trips to Maldives. The situation escalated on social media, with celebrities and tourists condemning the remarks. Amid this, India's High Commission raised concerns, and the Maldives government pledged action against such statements.

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In a recent diplomatic row, the Maldives faced severe backlash following derogatory comments by government officials against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The inflammatory remarks triggered a massive outcry among Indian citizens, leading to numerous cancellations of planned trips to the Maldives.

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and other prominent figures from Male swiftly condemned the offensive language, stressing India's historical role as a steadfast friend to the Maldives. Solih emphasized the need to preserve the longstanding friendship between the two nations despite the regrettable remarks.

The situation escalated when Maldives' Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, and other officials used derogatory terms such as 'clown' and 'puppet of Israel' to describe PM Modi. Furthermore, Zahid Rameez, a council member of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), disparaged Indian beaches compared to Maldives' tourist spots, causing further outrage.

The repercussions were immediate and substantial. Thousands of Indian tourists canceled their bookings, prominent personalities like Akshay Kumar publicly condemned the remarks, and companies suspended Maldives flight bookings. The Indian Association of Tour Operators predicted a visible impact on tourism within the next few weeks due to the boycott calls.

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Amid this crisis, the Maldives government faced intense scrutiny. The Indian High Commission raised concerns, prompting the Maldivian government to issue statements disassociating from the derogatory remarks and pledging actions against individuals making such statements.

This incident significantly strained the already delicate India-Maldives relations, which had been under scrutiny following President Mohamed Muizzu's pro-China stance. The derogatory remarks against PM Modi only worsened the situation, potentially impacting geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region.

Despite these tensions, historical ties between India and the Maldives remain crucial, particularly in areas like development assistance, tourism, and humanitarian aid, emphasizing the need to mitigate the fallout and restore amicable relations.