Earlier this year, two junior ministers in the Maldivian government were suspended pending investigations for making vulgar references to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi; both resigned two days before President Mohamed Muizzu paid a state visit to New Delhi, as sources informed the Reuters news agency on Wednesday. Malsha Shareef and Mariyam Shiuna, both employees of the Maldivian Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, and Minister Abdulla Mahzoom Majid were suspended in January for using social media platform X, PM Modi a “clown,” “terrorist” and “puppet of Israel. ” Their comments followed Modi’s promotion of tourism in the Lakshadweep islands, which was seen as a direct message to pro-China Muizzu.
This led to a social media battle among celebrities in India and affected the flow of Indian tourists to the Maldives, a country famous for over two thousand tiny islands, beautiful resorts, and crystal clear water. The effects of their remarks were also considered for the entire sphere of tourism since it is crucially important for many countries and areas to attract Indian guests.
Although President Muizzu’s office did not wish to talk about the resignation issue with Enemalta personnel, a governmental official tended to its credit that such a situation has happened. Still, he did not want to add more info regarding the issue. According to local newspapers, Muizzu is to visit India shortly; he was previously in India for the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as Indian Prime Minister along with other chiefs of state in the region.
Muizzu earlier stated on the receipt of the invitation he was delighted to as he now described the visit as a “success”, noting that the relations with India are key to the success of the Maldives. This upcoming visit of the Prime Minister is also much expected to help Muizzu restore diplomatic relations with India following the incident of emissary remarks.
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