In the ongoing diplomatic dispute between India and the Maldives, Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Khoda Patel conveyed a resolute message, stating that India would not tolerate any insult to its Prime Minister. The strained ties between the two nations escalated when three Maldives ministers, known for their pro-China stance, made critical comments, including remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Administrator Patel, in an exclusive interview with NDTV, emphasized that the comments from the Maldivian ministers challenged India’s dignity. He expressed gratitude for the widespread support from the country, highlighting that the entire nation stood in solidarity with the Prime Minister and Lakshadweep. However, he dismissed the notion of seeking a public apology from the Maldives, emphasizing that the disciplined actions against the ministers demonstrated India’s firm stance.
“We are not going to talk about it (a public apology)… our values are different… they did not need to make such comments. They have been punished by the government for their actions. This showed India will not tolerate any insult to its PM,” Patel asserted.
The diplomatic rift originated when Maldivian ministers Maryam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid posted critical remarks about Prime Minister Modi on social media platform X. This came after the Prime Minister shared visuals from his Lakshadweep visit, sparking social media users to promote Lakshadweep as an alternative holiday destination.
Reacting swiftly, the Maldives suspended the ministers involved, acknowledging the inappropriateness of such posts from government positions. However, the incident has evolved into a broader political and diplomatic issue, leading to opposition lawmakers in the Maldives using it to criticize the ruling party.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed condemned the remarks as “appalling” and urged President Mohamed Muizzu to distance his government from the comments. India has taken diplomatic action by summoning the Maldives envoy in Delhi.
Tensions between the two nations had been simmering, particularly with the election of Mohamed Muizzu, perceived as a pro-China leader. His call for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives added fuel to the already strained relations between India and the Maldives.