Maldives' Opposition Leader Calls For President Muizzu's Removal Amid Diplomatic Row Over Derogatory Remarks Against PM Modi, Indians

On Monday (8 January), Ali Azim, the Minority Leader in the Maldivian Parliament, demanded actions to oust the President of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu, including a vote of no confidence following the derogatory comments made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by his ministers.

"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), Azim wrote on X.

Also Read: Chinese State Media Asks India To Be 'Open-Minded' On Maldives Row, Offers Trilateral Cooperation While Muizzu Is In China

A controversy broke out when several Maldivian ministers made disrespectful comments on social media about Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his visit to Lakshadweep.

On Sunday, the government of the Maldives suspended three deputy ministers for their remarks against PM Modi and Indians.

According to Maldivian media reports, deputy ministers in the youth ministry, Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, were suspended.

The External Affairs Ministry summoned the Maldivian envoy to India on Monday, expressing serious concern over the remarks.

The derogatory comments from the ministers have drawn flak in India, as many celebrities on X are encouraging people to discover local tourism spots rather than visiting the Maldives.

Social media posts have also surfaced, suggesting that some Indians are reconsidering their planned Maldives trips due to the ongoing controversy.

The Maldivian Foreign Ministry said the government is aware of "derogatory remarks" on social media platforms against foreign leaders and that the personal views do not represent its position.

Also Read: Amid Maldives Row, MakeMyTrip Launches 'Beaches Of India' Campaign As Search For Lakshadweep Surges By 3,400 Per Cent