Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed has strongly denounced the disparaging remarks made by Maldives Minister Mariyam Shiuna, urging President Mohamed Muizzu to distance the government from these comments. Nasheed emphasized India’s pivotal role in the security and prosperity of the Maldives, calling on Muizzu to reassure New Delhi that Shiuna’s remarks do not represent government policy.
Nasheed expressed his dismay at Shiuna’s language towards a crucial ally, stressing India’s significance for the Maldives’ well-being. He urged Muizzu’s government to disassociate itself from Shiuna’s comments and provide clarity to India that these sentiments do not reflect official government stance.
The controversy arose when Maldives Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment Mariyam Shiuna made derogatory remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a social media platform. Shiuna’s post, which has since been deleted, featured pictures of PM Modi from his recent visit to Lakshadweep.
During his visit to the Union Territory on January 2, PM Modi shared several images of the picturesque landscapes and his snorkeling experience, highlighting the beauty of Lakshadweep. He also laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹1,150 crore in Agatti.
In contrast, President Mohamed Muizzu embarked on a visit to China from January 7-12, marking his second foreign visit since assuming office. Notably, this departure from tradition included skipping India on his initial official visit. Moreover, last December, the Maldives announced its decision not to renew the Hydrographic Survey agreement with India, as reported by The Press, a Maldives-based news website.
Muizzu’s party campaigned primarily for the removal of Indian troops from the Maldives. Currently, approximately 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, remain stationed in the Maldives.
