Mariyam Shiuna, a Maldivian politician who was among three deputy ministers suspended earlier this year over social media posts targeting the Indian political leadership, has issued "sincerest apologies" for a recent post that reportedly disrespected the Indian Tricolour. The remarks had sparked a diplomatic dispute between the two countries.

Shiuna, who has since deleted the post in question, clarified that she did not intend to disrespect India or the country's national flag.

"I extend my sincerest apologies for any confusion or offence caused by the content of my recent post," she wrote on X. "It was brought to my attention that the image used by me bore a resemblance to the Indian flag. I want to make it clear that this was entirely unintentional. In future, I will be more vigilant in verifying the content I share, to prevent such oversights."

She added that the image was intended to mock the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), as the archipelago nation prepares for parliamentary elections on April 21.

The suspended deputy minister, belonging to President Mohamed Muizzu's ruling People's National Congress (PNC), stated, "Maldives deeply values its relationship and the mutual respect shared with India."

The deleted post, aimed at the opposition MDP's campaign poster, featured the replacement of the opposition party's logo with an image resembling the Ashok Chakra, a symbol on the Indian flag. In the Indian flag, the Navy Blue-coloured Ashok Chakra appears on the white central band.

The post stated, "The MDP is heading towards a significant slip. The people of Maldives do not wish to fall and slip with them."

In January, Mariyam Shiuna and two colleagues, Abdulla Mahzoom Majid and Malsha Shareef, faced suspension from the Muizzu government. This action came amid perceptions that the government holds anti-India sentiments and favours pro-China policies.

The ministers' remarks were prompted by their observation of the Indian leadership's efforts to develop the Lakshadweep islands as a tourist destination, which they perceived as a move to compete with the Maldives.

Image source: Hindustan Times