Former Maldivian Deputy Speaker Labels Ministers' Remarks Against India As 'Shameful And Racist', Urges Indians To End Boycott Campaign

The ongoing dispute between India and the Maldives has escalated following derogatory comments about PM Modi and India made by now-suspended three Maldivian ministers.

Former Deputy Speaker of the Maldives, Eva Abdulla, condemned these remarks as "shameful and racist" on Sunday.

In addition, she extended an apology to India and urged Indians to cease their boycott campaign against the Maldives.

Abdulla, a sitting MP, acknowledged the justified fury over the remarks.

"Indians are rightfully angry. The comments made are outrageous. However, the comments are in no way a reflection of the opinion of the Maldivian people. I'd like to apologise personally to the people of India for the shameful comments made," she told NDTV.

The dispute started when several Maldivian ministers made derogatory comments about India and Prime Minister Modi, in response to him sharing pictures and videos from his trip to Lakshadweep.

These posts, which showed him snorkelling and relaxing on the pristine beach, led to social media users considering Lakshadweep as an alternative vacation spot to the Maldives.

Later, the three ministers Maryam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef and Mahzoom Majid were suspended.

The relationship between the two countries has been tense since the election of President Mohamed Muizzu, who is viewed as a pro-China leader.

After assuming office, Muizzu advocated for the removal of Indian troops from the Maldives, citing security concerns. Additionally, the Maldivian president is scheduled for an official visit to China from 8 to 12 January.

Abdulla emphasized the significance of robust India-Maldives relations, stating that the island country relies on India, a "long-standing ally," for economic growth, commerce, education, and tourism.

"This is not an attitude the Maldivian government can take towards India. I hope these comments are a one-off occurrence and the current administration will come down hard on anyone who has made such comments so they can not be expressed again," she said.

The Maldivian MP urged the Indian people to end the #BoycottMaldives campaign and "come back" to the islands for holidays.

After the row began, many Indians on social media claimed that they cancelled their planned holidays to the island nation and several Bollywood celebrities also pitched Lakshadweep as an alternate tourist destination.

"Comments from one or two people should not be a reflection of the way Maldivian people see India. We want to ask Indians to return to Maldives and end the boycott campaign," she said.