MEA Summons Maldives Envoy Amid Diplomatic Row Over Derogatory Remarks Against PM Modi, Indians: Report

On Monday (8 January), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reportedly summoned the Maldives' envoy to India amid the controversy surrounding comments made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by several Maldivian ministers on social media.

The MEA officials expressed serious concerns about these remarks, news agency PTI reported citing sources.

The President Mohamed Muizzu led Maldivian government suspended three ministers on Sunday (7 January) over their derogatory comments about Prime Minister Modi and the people of India.

The ministers had criticized PM Modi for his post on social media platform 'X' during his visit to Lakshadweep, suggesting that he was trying to promote the Union Territory as a rival tourist spot to the Maldives.

The Indian High Commission in Male on Sunday raised the matter with the Maldives' Foreign Office and raised concerns over remarks made about the Prime Minister by some ministers of the Maldivian government.

Following this, social media posts emerged suggesting that several Indians are calling off their planned trips to the Maldives due to the ongoing dispute.

The Maldivian government, amid escalating diplomatic tensions, issued a statement distancing itself from the ministers' comments.

“The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives," it said.