Two junior ministers in the Maldivian government, who were suspended earlier this year for criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have resigned ahead of President Mohamed Muizzu’s proposed visit to New Delhi, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing an official.
The newly-elected president of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, had formally requested that India withdraw its military personnel from the archipelago (AP Photo).
President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives had formally requested that India withdraw its military personnel from the archipelago (AP Photo).
Malsha Shareef and Mariyam Shiuna, from the ministry of youth empowerment, information, and arts, along with fellow minister Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, were suspended in January after making derogatory remarks about PM Modi on X, the social media platform. The ministers referred to Modi as a “clown,” “terrorist,” and “puppet of Israel” after Modi promoted tourism in Lakshadweep, which was viewed as a message to pro-China Muizzu, who had pledged to end the Maldives’ “India first” policy.
These comments drew India’s ire, sparking a social media campaign by Indian celebrities promoting domestic tourism. This had an impact on Indian tourist arrivals in the Maldives, a nation renowned for its luxury resorts spread across 1,192 islands.
While Muizzu’s office did not issue a statement, a government official confirmed the resignations but provided no further details.
Muizzu to visit India soon
Local media outlets have reported that Muizzu plans to visit India in the near future.
This will be Muizzu’s second trip after attending PM Modi’s oath-taking ceremony as one of the heads of state from neighboring countries. Muizzu praised the invitation and described the visit as a “success,” noting that strong ties with India would bring greater prosperity to the Maldives.
India-Maldives relations improving
The relationship between the Maldives and India had become strained following Muizzu’s election victory and his demand for the withdrawal of Indian defense personnel stationed in the Maldives. India completed the replacements in May, and relations have since improved through diplomatic discussions.
