Former Maldives Vice President decries disparaging comments against PM Modi

Former Maldives Vice President Ahmed Adeeb on Sunday “strongly condemned” the disparaging comments made about Prime Minister Narendra Modi by certain politicians in his country.

The former vice premier’s criticism, which makes fun of Prime Minister Modi’s recent trip to Lakshadweep, comes amid growing outrage over the installation of a deputy minister from the Maldives.

Former Maldives Vice President Ahmed Adeeb praised the Maldivian government for stating that it disagrees with the opinions of these officials and that they do not represent the views of the current administration.

Taking to his official handle on X, the former vice president and Tourism minister, posted, “I strongly condemn any derogatory and racist comments made by a group of Maldivian politicians towards His Excellency PM Modi @PMOIndia and beloved citizens of India. I commend the Maldives Government for distancing itself from the views expressed by these officials and emphasizing that they do not reflect the government’s position.”

“We established the Maldives tourism industry based on the principles of hospitality, tolerance, peace, and harmony. Through strategic positioning and collaborations with global brands and investments, including those from India, we have successfully positioned Maldives as a premier luxury resort destination,” he added.

Also hitting out at a section of Maldivian leaders over their ‘racist’ remarks against PM Modi as well as fellow Indian citizens, Adeeb wrote, “Considering the global economic challenges and the vulnerability of the Maldives tourism industry and economy, it is crucial for us to maintain a friendly and humble approach while fostering positive relations, with all nations.”

Earlier, former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed called for current Premier Mohamed Muizzu to disassociate the government from Deputy Minister Mariyam Shiuna’s offensive remarks.

Declaring that India played a “instrumental” role in the security and prosperity of the Maldives, the former President requested Muizzu to guarantee New Delhi that the remarks were not representative of government policy.

“What appalling language by Maldives Government official @shiuna_m towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for Maldives’ security and prosperity. @MMuizzu gov must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect gov policy,” Nasheed posted on X.

Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment Mariyam Shiuna incited outrage on social media with outrageous comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X.

Her post—which has since been removed—contained pictures of Prime Minister Modi from his most recent trip to Lakshadweep.

On January 2, PM Modi paid a visit to the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. He uploaded a number of photos from his tour, including one of him snorkeling, which he described as a “exhilarating experience”.

“Recently, I had the opportunity to be among the people of Lakshadweep. I am still in awe of the stunning beauty of its islands and the incredible warmth of its people. I had the opportunity to interact with people in Agatti, Bangaram and Kavaratti. I thank the people of the islands for their hospitality. Here are some glimpses, including aerial glimpses from Lakshadweep…During my stay, I also tried snorkelling – what an exhilarating experience it was! For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list,” PM Modi posted on X.

He also laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs 1,150 crore in Agatti on Tuesday.

(With agency inputs