Maldivian Ministers suspended for posting derogatory remarks against PM Modi quit as Muizzu Plans India Visit

Two junior ministers from the Maldives, who were suspended earlier this year for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have resigned ahead of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s upcoming visit to India. The resignations mark a significant political shift as Muizzu seeks to rebuild strained ties with New Delhi.

Ministers Resign After Controversial Remarks

The Maldives ministers, Mariyam Shiuna and Malsha Shareef, submitted their resignations on Tuesday, months after their suspension in January for making inflammatory comments about PM Modi. They had posted derogatory remarks on social media in response to Indian PM’s visit to Lakshadweep which had triggered widespread anger in India and calls for a boycott of Maldives tourism, a critical pillar of the nation’s economy.

While the two ex-ministers cited “personal reasons” for their departure, their resignations are seen as part of Muizzu’s broader diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with India. A third minister who was suspended alongside Shiuna and Shareef remains in office, with no updates regarding their status.

Rebuilding India-Maldives Relations

President Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, has been working to restore relations with India. His government confirmed that he will visit New Delhi “very soon,” although the exact date of the visit is still under discussion. Muizzu’s spokesperson, Heena Waleed, noted that the visit is being coordinated to ensure convenience for both leaders.

This development comes after a visit to the Maldives by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar last month, marking his first trip to the island nation since Male expelled Indian troops in May. India’s government views the Maldives as a vital ally in the Indian Ocean region, particularly in the areas of defense and security.

Strained Relations Under Muizzu

Since assuming office, Muizzu has taken steps that strained relations with India, including requesting the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives. The situation worsened when the suspended ministers made offensive remarks about PM Modi on social media, particularly in relation to his visit to Lakshadweep, where he promoted the islands as a tourist destination.

The criticism sparked protests from Indian public figures, further fueling tensions. Despite this, Muizzu has indicated that he will not disrupt regional stability by replacing Indian forces with Chinese personnel, an important move in calming anti-India rhetoric.

Maldives Ministers Quit as Muizzu Plans India Visit

Muizzu’s effort to improve ties with India stands in contrast to his initial actions as president, when he prioritized relations with China and Turkey by visiting those countries first. Despite his earlier stance, Muizzu appears keen to rebuild the Maldives’ relationship with India, as evidenced by his upcoming visit.

For the Maldives, maintaining a balanced relationship with both India and China is crucial, given its strategic location in the Indian Ocean. The country sits at the crossroads of important global shipping lanes and has become a geopolitical hotspot.

Conclusion

The resignations of the Maldives ministers, who were involved in a diplomatic row with India, could be seen as a significant step toward improving relations between the two countries. As President Muizzu prepares to visit India, this development suggests a renewed focus on mending ties and fostering cooperation.

With the Maldives playing a key role in regional security, the world will be watching closely as Muizzu navigates these critical diplomatic waters.