Maldives Takes Action Against Ministers for Making "Offensive" Comments Towards India

The Maldivian government has taken decisive action by suspending ministers responsible for inflammatory social media posts directed at India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The posts, deemed insulting to India, ignited a significant backlash, with some Indians claiming to have canceled their planned trips to the idyllic island nation renowned for its pristine beaches.

In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement elucidating the Indian government's position on the matter. The statement declared that individuals in government positions who had engaged in such derogatory social media posts were now suspended from their roles. However, the official announcement did not disclose the names of the suspended ministers.

Local media reports suggest that Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha, and Hassan Zihan are among the ministers facing suspension. The controversy originated when these ministers and other leaders in the Maldives posted disparaging remarks about PM Modi following his sharing of photos and videos from a recent visit to Lakshadweep. The viral posts, showcasing PM Modi snorkeling, led social media users to propose India's smallest Union Territory as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.

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This incident underscores the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding social media communications and highlights the swift actions taken by the Maldivian government to address the issue and maintain amicable relations with India. The suspension of the ministers serves as a clear message about the consequences of official figures engaging in disparaging online behavior, particularly towards neighboring countries.