1. Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed condemns Maldivian minister Mariyam Shiuna’s derogatory remarks against PM Modi.
2. Nasheed considers India a “key ally” for the Maldives’ security and prosperity.
3. He urges the Maldivian government to distance itself from Shiuna’s comments and reassure India that they don’t reflect government policy.
Malé, Jan 07: Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed strongly criticized the disparaging remarks made by Maldivian minister Mariyam Shiuna against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep. Nasheed, considering India a “key ally” for the Maldives’ security and prosperity, condemned Shiuna’s comments as “appalling.”
Expressing his dismay, Nasheed took to X (formerly Twitter), stating, “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.”
Nasheed called upon President Mohamed Muizzu and the Maldivian government to distance themselves from Shiuna’s comments and reassure India that such statements do not reflect government policy.
He emphasized, “The Mohamed Muizzu government must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect government policy.”
What appalling language by Maldives Government official @shiuna_m towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for Maldives’ security and prosperity. @MMuizzu gov must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect gov policy.
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) January 7, 2024
Mariyam Shiuna, the Maldives’ deputy minister of Youth Empowerment, had referred to PM Modi as a “clown” and “puppet” in a now-deleted X post, sparking a significant backlash.
The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is delusional. How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall. 🤷🏻♂️ https://t.co/AzWMkcxdcf
— Zahid Rameez (@xahidcreator) January 5, 2024
In addition to Nasheed’s condemnation, Indian celebrities and social media influencers, such as former cricketer Aakash Chopra and influencer Sonam Mahajan, have joined an online campaign calling for a boycott of the Maldives and its tourist spots.
Also Read: Indian Celebrities and Social Media Influencers Rally to Boycott Maldives Amid Anti-India Remarks
The discord originated from PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, where he inaugurated several development projects worth over ₹1,150 crore, including the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection project and the Low-Temperature Thermal Desalination plant at Kadmat.
Had excellent interactions with the beneficiaries of various government schemes. It's inspiring to see firsthand how these initiatives are fostering better health, self-reliance, women empowerment, improved agricultural practices and more. The life journeys I heard were truly… pic.twitter.com/JEYFHb1ZaZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024
Shiuna’s derogatory comments and the subsequent online campaign have heightened tensions between India and the Maldives.
