Former Maldives Prez Mohamed Nasheed Slams Minister For Derogatory Remarks Against PM Modi

Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed has slammed the Maldives Minister for using derogatory language against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Mohamed Nasheed has also urged the ruling government to distance the government from the comments. "What appalling language by Maldives Government official @shiuna_m towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for Maldives' security and prosperity. @MMuizzu gov must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect gov policy," Nasheed posted on X.

Earlier, Mariyam Shiuna, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, referred PM Modi a "clown" and a "puppet of Israel". "What a clown. The puppet of Israel Mr Narendra diver with a life jacket #VisitMaldives," Shiuna tweeted in a now-deleted post.

In another post, Shiuna said that the Maldives does not need the Indian Military's presence in the region.

Also, Zahid Rameez, a Council member of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), made racist comments against Indians came in response. In a post, Rameez wrote, "The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is delusional. How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall."

The reaction from the Maldives minister comes after PM Modi visited Lakshadweep.

In a series of posts on X, PM Modi shared pictures of the white beaches and the pristine blue skies and the ocean, and tagged them with a message that read, "For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list."

"Recently, I had the opportunity to be among the people of Lakshadweep. I am still in awe of the stunning beauty of its islands and the incredible warmth of its people. I had the opportunity to interact with people in Agatti, Bangaram and Kavaratti. I thank the people of the islands for their hospitality. Here are some glimpses, including aerial glimpses from Lakshadweep...During my stay, I also tried snorkelling - what an exhilarating experience it was! For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list," PM Modi posted on X.

He also laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 1,150 crore in Agatti on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is set to embark on a visit to China from January 7-12, marking his second foreign trip since assuming office, with his earlier visit being to Turkey.

Notably, breaking from tradition, Muizzu opted not to include India in his initial official visits.

In a significant development reported by the Maldives-based news website, The Press, last December, it was stated that the Maldives would not extend the Hydrographic Survey agreement with India.

It may be recalled that the removal of Indian troops from the Maldives was a key agenda of Muizzu's political party. Presently, there are approximately 70 Indian troops stationed in the Maldives, accompanied by a Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters.