Nasheed Calls for Clarity from Gov’t Amidst Anti-India Comments by Officials

MV+ News Desk | January 7, 2024
Photo: People’s Majlis

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed has voiced his concerns over the recent surge in disparaging remarks against India by several government officials, prompting a social media dispute.

The controversy unfolded last week when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video of himself on a beach in Lakshadweep. Pro-Indian government accounts quickly disseminated the video, claiming it could negatively impact the Maldives’ thriving tourism industry.

Numerous high-ranking government officials have become embroiled in the dispute. In response, Nasheed, who temporarily withdrew from active politics in December, took to X on Sunday to call on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration to distance itself from the comments. He urged the government to provide a clear assurance to India that the remarks do not reflect official policy.

Emphasising India’s crucial role as a key ally for Maldives’ security and prosperity, Nasheed specifically criticized Mariyam Shiuna, the deputy minister for youth, for employing what he deemed as “appalling language” against a key ally’s leader.

Pro-government accounts portrayed Modi’s video as a promotion for tourism in Lakshadweep over the Maldives, anticipating a potential negative impact on the latter’s tourism industry.

This online campaign appears to be linked to the ‘India Out’ initiative initiated by the current ruling party during its time in opposition, which called for the expulsion of Indian military personnel from the Maldives. President Muizzu, who based his election campaign on this promise, subsequently requested India to withdraw its soldiers after assuming office in November.

India holds a significant position as one of the leading source markets for tourist arrivals in the Maldives, with 209,198 Indian tourists visiting the country last year – the highest number from a single market.

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