From '911 Call' Comparison To Push For Muizzu's Removal, Maldives Leaders Back India Amid Row

Maldives President Muizzu, 45, leads the People's National Congress, a party that presided over an influx of Chinese loans when it last held power in the country, known for its luxury beach resorts and celebrity tourists. Muizzu is currently on a visit to China.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lakshadweep trip and the stunning pictures posted by him of the archipelago rubbed the Maldives up the wrong way, with some ministers of the island nation venting their annoyance through social media posts that have sparked massive outrage in India and also led to their suspension.

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In a show of support, former Maldives defence minister on Monday said?India has their "911 call", adding that the?derogatory comments against PM Modi demonstrate the "short-sightedness" of the Maldives government

India-Maldives Diplomatic Row | What's It About

The entire controversy started after three deputy ministers in the Maldives put up "derogatory" posts, criticising PM Modi for his Lakshadweep pictures, suggesting that it was an attempt to project the Union Territory as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.

The social media posts sparked massive outrage and reactions from netizens, political leaders, celebrities and even the Maldivian government which suspended its three ministers over the same.

The?diplomatic row escalated on Monday as India summoned the Maldives High Commissioner, following which Maldives summoned?the Indian envoy in a tit-for-tat move.

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The Parliamentary Minority leader in the Maldives, Ali Azim, took to microblogging platform X on Monday and called for steps to remove the Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, including a vote of no confidence in the aftermath of the derogatory remarks against PM Modi.

"We, d Democrats, r dedicated to upholding d stability of the nation's foreign policy n preventing d isolation of any neighboring country. R u willing to take all necessary steps to remove prez @MMuizzu from power? Is @MDPSecretariat prepared to initiate a vote of no confidence?" [sic], Azim wrote on X.

'Our 911 Call': Maldives Leader On Ties With India

Criticising the attempts to undermine the longstanding relationship between India and Maldives, former Defence Minister of the island nation, Mariya Ahmed Didi, said on Monday that India has been a reliable ally, assisting in various sectors, including defence.

She expressed disappointment over the Maldivian ministers' remarks, highlighting India as the "911 call" for the Maldives, always coming to their rescue in times of need.

"... India has been our 911 call, whenever we need it, we give a call and you all come to our rescue. That kind of a friend. When you see such disparaging remarks about friends like this, it is sad for everyone concerned," she said.

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How The Maldives Reacted To Its Ministers' Remarks

As outrage over the Maldives ministers'?remarks grew, the Maldivian foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday that the government is aware of "derogatory remarks" on social media platforms against foreign leaders and that the personal views do not represent its position.

"The government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the government of Maldives," the Maldivian foreign ministry said in a statement.

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"It said the government believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners.

"Moreover, the relevant authorities of the Government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks," it said.

Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer also said that the remarks against foreign leaders were "unacceptable" and do not reflect the official position of the Maldives government.