India raises concern as Maldives minister Shiuna’s ’derogatory’ remarks on PM Modi spark fury | 10 points

India on Sunday raised concerns over the recent “derogatory” remarks by Maldives Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment Mariyam Shiuna against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The sources have claimed that the Indian High Commissioner in Male has taken up the matter with the government of Maldives. The development comes as the Maldives president Mohammad Muizzu-led government distanced itself from the remarks of its minister.

“The government believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and international partners,” the Maldives government statement added.

“The relevant authorities of the government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks,” the statement added.

India-Maldives row: Top Points

1. A massive row erupted between India and Maldives after a minister of the island country made some derogatory remarks against PM Modi over his recent visit to the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.

2. Maldives Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment Mariyam Shiuna used words like ‘clown’ and ‘puppet’ for the Prime Minister of India.

3. The derogatory remarks sparked huge outrage in India with people calling for boycotting traveling to Maldives for its anti-India stand.

4. As the noise around the matter grew, former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed slammed the remarks of the Maldivian minister and hailed India as a “key ally” for the security and prosperity of the archipelago nation.

5. "What appalling language by Maldives Government official Mariyam Shiuna towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for the Maldives’ security and prosperity," Mohamed Nasheed said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

6. "The Mohamed Muizzu government must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect government policy (sic)," the former president added.

7. The newly-elected government of Mohammad Muizzu distanced itself from the remarks of its minister on Sunday and said the relevant authorities “will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks.”

8. India raised concerns over the remarks against the Indian Prime Minister and diplomatic channels are communicating India's position with the officials of Maldives.

9. The development comes as Mohammad Muizzu led his election campaign on an anti-India plank and the relations between the two nations tanked since his election as the President of the country.

10. The new government of Maldives is closely aligning itself with the Arab world as Mohammad Muizzu's first international trip was to Turkey- a nation known for its anti-India views.

India-Maldives row: Maldivian politicians react 

The remarks by Mariyam Shiuna were not taken well by in the domestic political circles of Maldives with former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih condemning the “hateful” language used against India. "I condemn the use of hateful language against India by Maldivian government officials on social media. India has always been a good friend to Maldives and we must not allow such callous remarks to negatively impact the age-old friendship between our two countries..." Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said.