New Delhi, January 7, 2024 – Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed has strongly denounced derogatory social media posts made by a minister in the Maldivian government regarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the Lakshadweep islands. The visit, aimed at promoting tourism in the Union Territory comprising 36 islands, was met with inappropriate language from Maldivian minister Mariyam Shiuna.
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
In her tweet, Minister Shiuna used offensive language against PM Modi, while another minister accused India of targeting the archipelago, suggesting that India faces challenges in competing with the Maldives in beach tourism.
Expressing his disapproval, Nasheed urged President Mohamed Muizzu to clarify that the ministers’ comments do not represent the official government policy. Nasheed emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with India, highlighting its role in the security and prosperity of the Maldives.
President Muizzu, who assumed office in November 2023, has already indicated a shift in Maldives’ foreign policy. In his election pledge, he mentioned plans to reduce the presence of Indian military personnel in the country and change the “India first” policy. This shift has strained the traditionally strong ties between India and the Maldives.
President Muizzu, considered a pro-China politician, is set to visit China on Monday, as confirmed by the Chinese foreign ministry. This visit aligns with his predecessors’ visits to India before China. The strained relationship between India and the Maldives escalated further after President Muizzu requested the withdrawal of Indian military personnel and a review of over 100 bilateral agreements.
While praising Chinese infrastructure projects during his first visit abroad, Maldives Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef did not mention China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which played a significant role in building most of the Maldives’ infrastructure projects. The Maldives, strategically located in the Indian Ocean Region, holds a special place in India’s initiatives, including SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the ‘Neighbourhood-First Policy’ of the Modi government.
The Maldives’ proximity to India and its strategic location in commercial sea lanes make it a key maritime neighbor for India. The recent tensions between the two countries underscore the evolving dynamics in the region and the challenges of balancing relationships in a changing geopolitical landscape.
