The Maldives government issued a statement on Sunday warning its unruly ministers against making “derogatory statements” regarding “foreign leaders and high-ranking officials”.

The remarks came after ministers and other leaders in the newly elected Mohammed Muizzu government used derogatory and racist abuses against Indians and PM Modi on the issue of tourism to Lakshadweep.It happened because of the reaction.

Comments do not represent personal opinions, government views: Maldives

The island country says statements made by some of its ministers ‘do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives.’

The Maldivian government says it is well aware of derogatory comments on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and not based on one’s ideas or concepts.Do not represent the Government of Maldives,” the statement said.

The government says that the exercise of freedom of expression should be followed in a democratic and responsible manner, and hatred and negativity should not be spread. and hinder closer cooperation between the Maldives and its international partners.”

Taking a firm stand against the statements made,” the government statement said, adding, “Furthermore, the concerned authorities of the government will not hesitate to take action against those uttering such derogatory abuses.”

What is the entire controversy?

The main reason for the controversy was the social media posts of a minister and other leaders in Maldives a few days after PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep Islands. PM Modi’s visit to the country’s smallest union territory consisting of 36 islands was seen as an effort to promote tourism on the island.

Through these tweets, the ministers used derogatory language for PM Modi, accused India of targeting Maldives and said that India faces significant challenges in competition.

This tweet came in response to PM Modi’s post on X (formerly Twitter), where he had shared his experience of snorkeling in Lakshadweep. The post garnered widespread attention, leading social media users in India to propose the island union territory as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.

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