Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said his government acted against ministers who made derogatory remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
These are the first public comments by the Maldives President on the issue that led to the deterioration of India-Maldives ties.
Speaking at a function at Princeton University, he said, “Nobody should speak like this. I mean, I most surely acted against it, and I don’t tolerate anything being said in disrespect of anybody, be it a simple man or a leader. Everyone has dignity, so Nobody should be permitted to say things. I acted, and it’s dealt with.”
Earlier this year, Mariyam Shiuna, one of three Maldivian ministers, made derogatory comments about the Indian prime minister after he visited Lakshadweep.
The Maldivian government distanced itself from the remarks after suspending three ministers. Two of the ministers were later taken from their portfolios and replaced.
The derogatory remarks caused an outcry in India, and there have been calls for people to boycott Maldivian tourism.
The Maldives president cited that “uttering any word that disrespects anybody else is wrong.” His comments come ahead of his bilateral visit to India in October. He had visited Delhi in June to attend PM Modi’s oath-taking ceremony for his third term.
Asked whether he agreed with the “India Out” campaign during last year’s Presidential election, Muizzu said, “Our foreign policy has always been, from the day I announced my campaign, Maldives first. It is not India out.”
He explained that the “problem” was the presence of the Indian military personnel in Maldives.
After several rounds of diplomatic talks, the military personnel were replaced by civilian Indian personnel to handle the military assets given by India for humanitarian purposes.
The President said the issue was ” diplomatically coordinated, and with the full support of the Indian Government and the diplomatic channels, it was resolved.”
Meanwhile, as evidence of a solid intent to maintain close relations, India has provided much-needed financial aid to the Maldives. In this regard, it rolled over treasury bills worth $50 million to help the Maldives cope with its financial liability, especially to avoid defaulting on the payment for its Islamic bonds. New Delhi also engages in landmark infrastructural projects in that Indian Ocean island nation.
