1. MEA summons Maldivian envoy over social media remarks against PM Modi.
2. Three Maldivian deputy ministers were suspended for derogatory comments.
3. Diplomatic concerns escalate between India and Maldives.

New Delhi, Jan 08: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Maldivian envoy to India on Monday to express strong concern over social media remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Maldives’ government suspended three deputy ministers on Sunday for posting derogatory comments about Modi on social media.

The remarks criticized Modi’s post on ‘X,’ which followed his visit to Lakshadweep, suggesting it aimed to promote the Union Territory as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.

The suspended deputy ministers from the youth ministry, Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, faced consequences for their social media posts.

Official sources in New Delhi revealed that the Indian high commission in Male had raised the issue with the Maldivian foreign ministry on Sunday, prompting the summoning of the Maldivian envoy to the MEA.

The disparaging comments by the Maldivian ministers triggered a backlash in India, with various celebrities encouraging people on the social media platform ‘X’ to explore domestic tourist destinations rather than visiting the Maldives.

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Reports also emerged on social media indicating that some Indians were canceling their planned trips to the Maldives in light of the diplomatic row.

Responding to the controversy, the Maldivian foreign ministry released a statement, acknowledging the existence of “derogatory remarks” on social media against foreign leaders. The statement emphasized that such opinions were personal and did not represent the official stance of the Maldivian government.

The incident highlights the sensitivity of diplomatic relations in the age of social media, where statements made by individuals can have far-reaching consequences on international ties.

The summoning of the Maldivian envoy underscores India’s commitment to addressing such matters through diplomatic channels and upholding the dignity of its leaders in the global arena.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how both countries navigate the aftermath of this diplomatic dispute.