The Maldives government on Sunday suspended three of its ministers who made social media posts deemed derogatory towards India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The offensive remarks sparked a massive outrage in India with many claiming to cancel vacations to the island nation.Maldives sacks 3 ministers over remarks on PM Modis Lakshadweep visitIn a statement, the Maldivian foreign ministry said the government has taken action against those holding official positions for their insulting posts towards the neighbouring country. Amid this controversy, the island government has sacked Ministers Maryam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef and Mahzoom Majid from their posts.How this controversy eruptedNotably, this controversy erupted after the ministers mocked PM Modis recent Lakshadweep visit where he has photographed snorkeling, suggesting the tiny Indian territory as an alternative to the Maldives. Their posts went viral and were slammed as undiplomatic.Earlier, the Maldivian government distanced itself from the remarks, terming them personal opinions that do not represent its stand. It stated freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly without spreading hate or damaging close bilateral ties.Prominent Maldivian leaders also criticised the comments against the nations closest neighbour.” Former president Mohamed Nasheed described the posts as appalling and urged President Ibrahim Mohamed Solihs regime to condemn them.India-Maldives relationsThe strong rebuttal came as reassurance for New Delhi amid recent frostiness in India-Maldives relations. Ties worsened after Solih, who pledged to remove the Indian military presence, took over in 2018 and visited Turkey before meeting PM Modi.Withdrawing Indian personnel and altering the India first policy were Solihs election promises. India has deployed around 75 troops in the Maldives to operate three gifted naval crafts. Both sides have now set up a panel to discuss their pullout.The social media remarks threatening the bilateral relationship drew flak from Maldivian leaders given Indias significance as a regional ally. The governments quick suspensions signalled a bid to control damage and avoid jeopardizing ties further.What could be the aftermathAnalysts view the latest controversy as a consequence of growing Chinese influence in the scenic Indian Ocean archipelago. But India retains leverage as the Maldives closest neighbour and remains its key development partner.With tourism forming the economic backbone, the island nation also relies heavily on Indian travellers who constitute its largest market. The recent visa fee waiver for Indians further reflected its dependence.While the ministerial remarks may be mere social media noise, observers say New Delhi and Male must address friction areas to prevent diplomatic bonhomie from nosediving. The shared geography and deep-rooted cultural links continue to anchor India-Maldives relations firmly.
