Maldivian ministers resign months after making derogatory remarks against PM Modi; Muizzu to visit India
- In Reports
- 11:45 AM, Sep 11, 2024
- Myind Staff
In anticipation of his forthcoming visit to New Delhi "very soon," Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's government announced on Tuesday that two junior ministers, accused of making "derogatory remarks" about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, resigned that same day.
Pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu, who suspended three ministers in January over their comments, including one allegedly referring to Prime Minister Modi as a "clown," is now looking to restore relations with New Delhi.
Confirming this, Muizzu’s spokesperson Heena Waleed stated on Tuesday that the Maldivian president will visit India "very soon," though the exact date is still being finalised, with discussions underway to arrange a mutually convenient time for the leaders of both countries.
“The President is scheduled to visit India very soon,” The Sun Online quoted Waleed as saying.
“As you are aware, such trips are scheduled for a time of maximum convenience to leaders of the two countries. Discussions regarding this are in progress,” Waleed added.
Waleed announced Muizzu’s upcoming visit on the same day the two junior ministers - Mariyam Shiuna and Malsha Shareef - resigned from their positions.
India’s government has traditionally regarded the Maldives, with its population of around half a million, as part of its sphere of influence.
Global east-west shipping routes pass through the nation’s chain of 1,192 small coral islands, which stretch approximately 800 kilometres (500 miles) across the equator.
A government official stated that both ministers resigned due to "personal reasons."
According to official sources, the resignations occurred ahead of a possible visit by Muizzu to New Delhi.
They also followed a visit last month by India’s foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, marking his first trip to the archipelago since Malé expelled Indian troops in May.
The former ministers had criticised Prime Minister Modi on social media, triggering outrage from Indian celebrities who called for a tourism boycott, which is crucial to the Maldivian economy.
Their criticism followed PM Modi's visit to promote Lakshadweep, a group of atolls located just north of the Maldives, as a tourist destination.
PM Modi posted photographs of himself snorkelling, and suggested the islands should be on the must-visit list of any adventure-seeking tourist.
There was no immediate word on a third minister, who was also suspended in January.
Muizzu travelled to India to attend PM Modi's inauguration in June, but has not made a solo official visit.
Since coming to power, Muizzu has toned down his anti-Indian rhetoric and said he would not upend the regional balance by replacing Indian forces with Chinese troops.
Image source: PTI
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