Three Maldives Ministers Suspended Indefinitely For PM Modi Slurs, But Still On The Payroll

More than a week after making derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, three Maldives ministers-Mariyam Shiuna, Mahzoom Majid, and Malsha Shareef-have been indefinitely suspended from their duties. Despite the suspension, the trio will continue to receive their salaries, according to the President's Office of Maldives, as reported by local media.

The insulting comments were made on a social media platform, formerly known as Twitter, in response to PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, where he encouraged Indian citizens to explore the beauty of the islands.

Here are the top developments

In an official statement, Maldives President's Office Communications Minister Ibrahim Khaleel announced the suspension of the three deputy ministers from their roles, emphasizing that they will still receive payment.

The Maldivian government disassociated itself from the ministers' remarks, with Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer stressing that the comments against foreign leaders do not represent the official stance of the government.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Maldives High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb, registering a strong protest against the insulting remarks directed at PM Modi.

The hashtag #BoycottMaldives gained traction on social media as thousands of netizens canceled planned trips to the Maldives, expressing their discontent over the ministers' statements. Bollywood celebrities, cricketers, and influencers joined the campaign, and EaseMyTrip canceled all flight bookings to the Maldives.

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nashed and several MPs condemned the ministers' remarks, highlighting the historic relationship between the Maldives and India.

The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) appealed emotionally to Indians not to boycott the island nation.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, currently on a five-day visit to China, is yet to respond to the comments made by his deputy ministers. The two countries have signed numerous agreements, including one on tourism cooperation, and Muizzu, referring to China as Maldives' closest ally, urged China to increase efforts to attract more tourists.

According to Maldives Tourism Ministry statistics, of the 1.7 million tourists who visited the Maldives in 2023, over 200,000 were Indians. In 2022 and 2021, over 240,000 and 211,000 Indians visited the Maldives, respectively. Despite the pandemic in 2020, 63,000 Indians visited the Maldives.