India demands removal of 3 suspended deputies
India has been the largest tourist destination in Maldives for the past four years.
The Indian government summoned the Maldivian ambassador to the country's external affairs ministry on Monday and demanded the removal of the three deputy ministers who made derogatory remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Hindustan Times reported.
The Ambassador to India, Ibrahim Shaheeb, was asked to appear before the Indian External Affairs Ministry at 9am on Monday. Shaheeb arrived at the ministry at that time.
In the four-minute meeting, the Hindustan Times quoted sources as saying that the Indian government informed Shaheeb:
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The relationship between the two countries deteriorated because of Maldives and President Mohammed Muizzu should take responsibility for improving it
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It is not enough to suspend the three ministers who insulted India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The three deputy ministers of the Youth Ministry suspended in the case are:
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Malsha Shareef
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Maryam Shiuna
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Abdullah Mahzoom Majid
The President's Office did not respond to questions about how long they were suspended or whether their salaries were paid during suspension.
The Hindustan Times reported that India is very angry with President Muizzu over his silence despite the behavior of three of his deputy ministers.
The Indian External Affairs Minister also questioned whether the three ministers made such tweets on the direct instructions of President Muizzu to seek financial assistance from China.
Last Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a video on his recent visit to Lakshadweep to promote tourism in the region.
Meanwhile, some Indians said that Modi's video was released to tell people that Indians do not have to go to Maldives for vacation and that they can experience the beauty of Maldives while staying in their own country.
Reposting Modi's video, an Indian social media activist called Maldives a "puppet country of China". Some Maldivian political activists in X responded to these remarks saying that the video is a challenge to Maldivian tourism.
The issue has come to a breaking point, and some Indian public and celebrities have launched a campaign calling for their people not to come to Maldives for holidays. Thus:
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Some of Bollywood’s A-list stars have said they don’t want to come to a country of people who don’t respect their country
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A social media campaign has been launched to encourage people to go on holiday to Lakshadweep
The hashtag '#BoycottMaldives' has become trending on social media platforms in India as some Indian tourists have canceled their holiday bookings and started boycotting Maldives.
Indians have started commenting on Google and booking websites saying the rating of Maldivian resorts is poor and the quality of services provided by the resorts is poor.
India has been the largest tourist destination in Maldives for the past four years.
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