Modi’s Lakshadweep Pride, Maldives’ Envy: Deep Dive into Diplomatic Row Over PM’s Archipelago Pics

A full diplomatic row has erupted between India and the Maldives, with India officially taking up with Male the disparaging comments made against India by government officials of Maldives. The Maldives government has issued a statement distancing itself from such remarks and suspended three officials in the wake of India’s protest.

This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lakshadweep visit earlier this week and the PM posting pictures and videos of the Indian island.

Government sources told News18 that PM Modi had never mentioned Maldives in any of his posts on social media, but officials from the Maldives government have launched a diatribe against India and Modi on social media, claiming that Modi was projecting an Indian destination over Maldives.

Government sources said promoting Indian destinations for tourism has been a hallmark of the Narendra Modi government and the Prime Minister has earlier promoted many such destinations like Sikkim, Andaman and Nicobar Islands as well as Jammu and Kashmir, posting pictures from there.

But official voices from the Maldives launched an unprovoked attack on India. “This is a deliberate anti-India pattern ever since a new Maldives government came into place last September. The present regime is seen as close to China and antagonistic to India while we have helped Maldives in all aspects, including providing them Covid-19 vaccines,” a government source told News18.

The Maldives government has now issued statement on Sunday evening, stating: “The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives…Moreover, the relevant authorities of the Government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks.”

The issue has also divided the Maldives polity and diplomacy. The Maldives National Party condemned the “racist and derogatory comments made by a government official against a foreign head of State”.

In a statement, the party said: “This is unacceptable. We urge the government to take necessary action against those involved.”

Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed criticized the “appalling language” by Maldives Government official Shiuna M “towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for Maldives’ security and prosperity”. He also earlier appealed to the current President Mohamed Muizzu to distance the government from these comments and “give clear assurance to India they do not reflect government policy”.

The PM’s visit to Lakshadweep has evoked interest from leading Bollywood personalities and celebrities who have written on X that they would love to visit the Lakshadweep Islands next.