Maldives politician Zahid Rameez, who faced backlash over his derogatory remarks on India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep, wished external affairs minister S Jaishankar on his birthday on Tuesday.
“Happy Birthday to the esteemed Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar! Wishing you a year filled with success and positive diplomatic endeavors,” Zahid Rameez wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Happy Birthday to the esteemed Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar! 🎉 Wishing you a year filled with success and positive diplomatic endeavors. 🇲🇻🇮🇳 @DrSJaishankar https://t.co/As6U21vbLr
— Zahid Rameez (@xahidcreator) January 9, 2024
Rameez was reacting to a post in which Jaishankar thanked PM Modi for his birthday wishes. Modi wrote, “Birthday wishes to Union Minister @DrSJaishankar Ji. His dedication and contributions in shaping India’s foreign policy have been exemplary. May this year bring more success and good health as he continues to serve our nation with dedication.”
Following Modi’s recent visit to the islands, posts on social media describing Lakshadweep as a tourist destination that rivals the Maldives sparked a controversy this week among Maldivian politicians, including Rameez, the leader of the Progressive Party of the Maldives and deputy minister Mariyam Shiuna.
The Maldives government suspended at least three ministers on Sunday for making insulting comments on social media about India and its leadership, while also separating itself from the statements and asking officials not to damage relations with international partners.