The Maldives government on January 7 suspended three deputy ministers who have come under fire for their "derogatory" remarks on social media against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep Islands.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today issued a statement on the stand of the Government of India in relation to some posts on social media that are insulting to neighboring India," said a statement issued by the Maldives government.
"Those who made such posts on social media while in government positions have now been suspended from their jobs," it added.
While the official statement did not name the ministers, local media reports said three deputy ministers - "Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Sharyf and Mahzoom Majid" - have been suspended by the government.
"All government officials responsible for the comments have been suspended from their post effective immediately," Ibrahim Khaleel, the government spokesperson, was quoted as saying.
Modi last week went snorkelling and shared his “exhilarating experience” of the islands in the Arabian Sea. The prime minister posted pictures of his undersea exploration on X and shared his "exhilarating experience" of the sojourn in the islands located in the Arabian Sea.
As a debate erupted on social media on whether Lakshadweep is more serene as compared to Maldives, the three Maldivian ministers used inappropriate language to the target Modi.
Earlier, Maldivian Foreign Ministry said they were aware of the "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," it said.
The Maldivian government said it believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, and negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners.
Also Read | Maldives minister's tweet over PM Modi's recent Lakshadweep visit sparks row
The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and the overall bilateral ties including in areas of defence and security have been on an upward trajectory under the government of Ibrahim Solih.
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