Maldives Government Dismisses 3 Ministers Over Anti-India Comments And Backlash from Indian Tourists
Malé, 7th January 2024: In an unprecedented move, the Maldives government has taken swift action by dismissing three of its ministers, Mariam Shiuna, Malsha Sharif, and Hassan Jahan, following objectionable comments made during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep. The decision came in response to a surge in protests from hundreds of Indians who promptly canceled hotel bookings and air tickets in the Maldives.
The controversy unfolded after the release of a photo during PM Modi’s visit, leading to remarks by the dismissed ministers that garnered widespread criticism. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs formally raised the issue with the Maldivian government, triggering a significant backlash on social media against the Maldives.
More than four thousand Indians are reported to have canceled their bookings in the Maldives, reflecting the impact of the anti-India sentiment generated by these comments. The cancellation of tickets and hotel bookings prompted Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar to express India’s objection to senior Maldivian officials.
Notable figures, including opposition parties and former Maldivian Presidents Mohammed Nasheed and Mohammed Solih, as well as former Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid, voiced their displeasure over the comments about PM Modi, urging President Mohamed Muizzu to take appropriate action.
Attempting to distance itself from the controversy, the Maldives Foreign Ministry issued a statement clarifying that the indecent comments were personal and not endorsed by the government. The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to democratic and responsible freedom of expression, discouraging actions that could harm diplomatic relations.
Shortly after the statement, a government spokesperson announced the dismissal of the three deputy ministers involved, marking an unprecedented global instance where ministers were removed for comments against the leader of another country.
Experts suggest that this move by the Muizzu government is not only aimed at improving relations with India but also at safeguarding the Maldives’ crucial tourism industry. With the economy heavily reliant on tourism, especially from Indian visitors, the dismissal aims to quell the negative impact on the sector.
In the last 24 hours alone, reports indicate the cancellation of 4,000 hotel bookings and approximately 3,000 air tickets by Indians, signaling a significant blow to the Maldivian tourism industry.
