Remarks against Modi row: Maldivian politicians, MPs, former Ministers slam "short-sightedness" of the new regime

Former Defence Minister of Maldives, Mariya Ahmed Didi, has said that derogatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonstrate the "short-sightedness" of the newly installed Maldives government more so because India has been a reliable ally. 

The Parliamentary Minority leader in the Maldives, Ali Azim, called for steps to remove the Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, including a vote of no confidence in the aftermath of the derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"We, d Democrats, r dedicated to upholding d stability of the nation's foreign policy n preventing d isolation of any neighboring country. R u willing to take all necessary steps to remove prez @MMuizzu from power? Is @MDPSecretariat prepared to initiate a vote of no confidence?" (sic), the leader wrote on X.

The Maldivian government has conveyed to Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar that the remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi do not represent its views. Maldives is facing a backlash after three ministers from the Maldives cabinet made derogatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his visit to Lakshadweep.

Many have claimed that they have cancelled their scheduled trips to the Maldives because of the row with the hashtag "Boycott Maldives" trending.

Didi expressed disappointment over disparaging remarks and highlighted India as the "911 call" for the Maldives, always coming to their rescue in times of need. 

"It is the short-sightedness on the part of the present administration. We are a small country who are friends with all, but we cannot deny that we share borders with India. We share similar security concerns. India has always helped us". 

"They have been helping us even in the defence sector with capacity building, providing us with equipment, and trying to make us more self-sufficient," the former Defence Minister said.  

Mickail Naseem, Member of Parliament from the Maldives has called on the Parliament to summon the Foreign Minister for the inaction and lack of urgency shown by the Maldives government. 

The Parliamentarian has also formally requested the parliamentary committee to summon the implicated officials for questioning, emphasising the need for accountability and swift action in response to the disrespectful comments made by senior officials against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Have formally requested the Parliament to summon the Foreign Minister for questioning following the inaction & lack of urgency shown by GoM regarding derogatory remarks against PM Modi by its senior officials. Request also sent to summon said officials to the parliamentary committee," the MP of Galolhu Dhekunu posted on X.  

On Jan 8, Monday, the Maldivian envoy to India Ibrahim Shaheeb was summoned to the External Affairs Ministry and was conveyed its strong concerns over the social media posts against PM Modi.

 

In Male though Maldivian media reported that Muhawar was summoned to the Foreign Ministry, the Indian High Commission said he had a "pre-arranged" meeting with Ambassador at Large Dr Ali Naseer Mohamed. "High Commissioner Munu Mahawar had a pre-arranged meeting with Dr Ali Naseer Mohamed, Ambassador at Large, at MoFA, Maldives, today to discuss bilateral issues," it said in a post on X. 

Meanwhile, the Congress has said the island nation is now in the Chinese "sphere of influence" and there needs to be a reality check.