Former Maldivian Tourism Minister Schools Maldives Government Amid Diplomatic Row

New Delhi: Former Maldives Tourism Minister Ahmad Adeeb on Monday raised concern over the ongoing diplomatic row with India, and schooled the incumbent leadership of the island nation. He asserted that remarks by three now-suspended deputy ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi should not be repeated.  

“The incident should have never happened and should not be repeated. The government should be strict with their decisions and more aware. We can't forget how India helped us in order to pull up our tourism industry. The government should have been careful,” Adeeb told exclusively to Republic. 

“With the new President (Mohamed Muizzu) taking over the leadership, activism has been increased in the government as well as in the industrial sectors. We must be more careful and friendly towards our neighbours especially countries like India who has helped us in the past," he added. 

The India-Maldives diplomatic row triggered after Maldivian leaders posted on social media derogatory remarks against PM Modi, who earlier visited Lakshadweep archipelago to promote domestic tourism in India. 

In the tweets, the ministers used derogatory words against PM Modi, accused India of targeting Maldives, and said India faces significant challenges in competing with the Maldives in beach tourism.

The Maldives government on Sunday suspended three ministers over their derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef and Mahzoom Majid were suspended over their remarks against PM Modi, which triggered a massive backlash.