India Summons Maldives High Commissioner Amid Row Over Anti-PM Modi Remarks

The Ministry of External Affairs of India on Monday has summoned the Maldives High Commissioner, Ibrahim Shaheeb, in light of recent diplomatic tensions between the two countries. This comes a day after the Lakshadweep pictures shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi set off a social media war between India and Maldives, while also triggering a low-key diplomatic row between the two.

Adding fuel to the fire, the hashtag #BoycottMaldives began trending in India, reflecting public anger towards the perceived disrespect shown to PM Modi. This social media backlash further strained the already delicate situation.

The Maldivian government on Sunday reportedly suspended three deputy ministers due to their derogatory social media posts directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The comments made by these ministers drew a strong backlash, prompting New Delhi to address the matter with Male, while opposition leaders within the island nation criticized the ruling administration for the controversy.

These three deputy ministers had criticized Modi's social media post on 'X' following his visit to Lakshadweep, suggesting that it was an attempt to showcase the Union Territory as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.

Quoting officials, various Maldivian media outlets highlighted the suspension of deputy ministers Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid from the youth ministry over their posts. Interestingly, this row erupted while President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu began a week-long visit to China.

In New Delhi, official sources said the Indian High Commission in Male strongly raised the matter with the Maldivian foreign ministry.

''Our high commission in the Maldives had strongly raised and expressed concerns about the comments made in regard to the prime minister by certain ministers in the Maldives government with the foreign office today,'' said a source.

The disparaging remarks by the ministers have drawn flak in India, with many celebrities urging people on X to explore domestic tourist destinations instead of going to the Maldives.

Several cine stars like Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar were among the celebrities who appealed to people to visit ''Indian islands'' and coastal destinations.

New President Mohamed Muizzu is seen to be close to China. After taking charge of the top office over a month back, he called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Lakshadweep on January 2 and 3 included inaugurating various projects. His social media posts featured his snorkeling experience and early morning walks along the pristine beaches, inviting adventure enthusiasts to consider including Lakshadweep in their travel plans.

''For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list. During my stay, I also tried snorkelling - what an exhilarating experience it was,'' he wrote.