A few days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, some deputy ministers shared derogatory remarks about India and the Prime Minister on social media platforms. The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry, or MATI, has said that it strongly condemns these remarks.
The MATI stated that India has always been the “first responder” to emergencies in the Maldives.
In a statement on Monday, MATI said, “The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry strongly condemns the derogatory comments made by some Deputy Ministers on social media platforms, directed towards the Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Narendra Modi as well as the people of India. India is one of our closest neighbours and allies. India has always been a first responder to various crises throughout our history and we are immensely grateful to the close relationship that the Government as well as people of India have maintained with us.”
It further stated that India has always and significantly contributed to the tourist industry of the Maldives. “A contributor that has greatly assisted our recovery efforts during COVID-19, right after we re-opened our borders. Since then, India has continued to remain as one of the top markets for the Maldives.”
It also added, “It is our sincere wish that the close relationship between our two nations endures for generations to come and as such, we refrain from actions or speech that may have any negative impact on our good relationship.”
Meanwhile, Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, deputy ministers in the youth ministry, have been suspended for speaking out against India. The Maldivian foreign ministry has stated that the government was aware of “derogatory remarks” made on social media platforms against foreign leaders and that personal opinions do not represent the government’s perspective.