Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu took action on Sunday by suspending three deputy ministers for making "remarks" against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to the government.
The move follows critical comments on social media by the suspended ministers from the youth ministry, including calling Modi a "clown" after his visit to the Indian territory of Lakshadweep.
President Muizzu, who won the September elections with promises that included the removal of a small contingent of Indian troops from the archipelago, has suspended the ministers—Malsha Shareef, Abdulla Mahzoon, and Mariyam Shiuna—pending an investigation. The derogatory remarks on social media prompted concerns about potential repercussions, given that Indians constitute the largest group of foreign visitors to the Maldives, where tourism contributes significantly to the economy.
In a statement, the Maldivian government clarified that the ministers' opinions on social media were personal and did not represent the views of the government. The suspension decision was made to address the inappropriate remarks and conduct a thorough investigation.
The geopolitical dynamics of the Maldives, a popular but expensive tourist destination, have come into focus. While Muizzu initially indicated an intent to remove Indian troops, he later moderated his stance after assuming office, emphasising the importance of regional balance and not replacing Indian forces with Chinese troops.
The incident underscores the delicate balance that small nations like the Maldives navigate in their relationships with larger neighbours and the potential consequences of public statements on diplomatic ties.
