Maldives summons India envoy in tit for tat move over officials' remarks

Maldives on Monday summoned Indian ambassador in response to a similar move by the Indian government, as a row over Maldivian government officials verbally abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India escalates.

Munu Mahawar has been asked to appear at the Maldivian foreign ministry at 12pm on Monday. 

The move comes hours after the Indian external affairs ministry summoned Maldivian ambassador in Delhi Ibrahim Shaheeb. 

The government is yet to respond. 

Authorities in Maldives on Sunday suspended three deputy ministers who have come under fire for their posts on X in which they are seen verbally abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India.

Last Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a video of his recent visit to Lakshadweep to promote tourism in the region.

Some Indians have said that Modi's video was released to tell people that Indians do not have to go to Maldives for holidays and can experience the beauty of Maldives while staying in their own country.

The threat quickly got out of hand, and comments that were highly inappropriate to make against one’s neighbouring country started appearing. People also started racially criticising Indians. Maryam Shiuna and Malsha warning, who are deputies in the youth ministry, took the cake when they insulted the Indian prime minister himself.

Shiuna's tweet has now been deleted but she had described the Indian Prime Minister as a clown. Malsha also shared Modi's video on X using derisive emoji.

About an hour after the Maldivian foreign ministry issued a statement warning action against individuals who had made "derogatory" remarks concerning, Maryam Shiuna and Malsha Shareef along with another deputy minister at the youth ministry Mahzoom Majid were suspended. 

An official from the President's Office confirmed the suspensions, but did not provide further details.

In its statement, the Maldivian foreign ministry said it was 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 statement read. 

"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."