Aamir2580 at 07:31, 5 April 2026

2026-04-05T07:31:58Z

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{{Short description|Indian-Maldivian diplomatic incident}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{FOR|overall relationship between India & Maldives|India–Maldives relations}}[[File:President Muizzu and Narendra Modi at the COP28.jpg|thumb|Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] (right) meeting Maldivian President [[Mohamed Muizzu]] (left) at the [[2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference]].]]

In January 2024, relations between [[India]] and the [[Maldives]], traditionally close neighbors with strong historical and cultural ties, became strained due to derogatory remarks made by Maldivian cabinet ministers and concerns over racism directed at Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] and India as a whole.<ref>{{Cite web |title="Indians Rightfully Angry": Maldives MP Amid Row Over Ministers' Remarks |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/shameful-racist-maldives-mp-condemns-ministers-remark-on-india-pm-modi-4820311 |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

Reactions in India called for a boycott of vacations to the Maldives. The dispute with the Maldives also led to the death of a young Maldivian teenager who was waiting to be transported to India for medical treatment via an [[air ambulance]]. His family's request for evacuation was denied by Maldivian authorities.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Biswas |first1=Sayantani |title=Maldives teen dies waiting for air ambulance, minister blames President Muizzu's 'animosity' towards India|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/world/malives-india-row-teen-dies-waiting-for-indian-dornier-aircraft-minister-blames-mohamed-muizzus-animosity-11705813493152.html|agency=Mint}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1= Gupta |first1=Adarsh Kumar |title=Sick Maldivian teen dies after President Mohammed Muizzu refused India's plane services: Report |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/sick-maldivian-teen-dies-after-president-mohammed-muizzu-refused-indias-plane-services-report-101705810862369.html |agency=Hindustan Times}}</ref>

==Background==

[[File:Bathala (Maldives) 8.JPG|thumb|[[Bathala (island)|Bathala island]] in the [[Maldives]]]]

The [[2023 Maldivian presidential election]] saw [[Mohamed Muizzu]] come into power. A key campaign topic was the Maldives' relationship with China and India. The incumbent, [[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]], campaigned on an "India-first" policy, aiming to strengthen ties with the Maldives' geographical and cultural neighbour, India. In contrast, Muizzu adopted the slogan "India Out," calling for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed on the archipelago<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ethirajan |first1=Anbarasan |date=22 October 2022 |title=Mohamed Muizzu: The Maldives' new president wants India out |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67166425 |url-status=live |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031142117/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67166425 |archive-date=31 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mohamed Muizzu: The Maldives' new president wants India out |url=https://www.livemint.com/politics/mint-explainer-why-the-maldives-has-asked-indian-troops-to-leave-11701677688987.html |access-date=4 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Told Indian envoy 'every single Indian military personnel should be removed': Maldives Prez-elect Muizzu |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2023/10/23/told-indian-envoy-every-single-indian-military-personnel-should-be-removed-maldives-prez-elect-muizzu.html |access-date=October 23, 2023}}</ref> while campaigning for closer [[China-Maldives relations|relations with China]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/01/pro-china-candidate-mohamed-muizzu-wins-maldives-presidency-upending-relationship-with-india|title=Pro-China candidate Mohamed Muizzu wins Maldives presidency, upending relationship with India|website=The Guardian|date=30 September 2023|agency=Agence France-Presse|access-date=1 October 2023|archive-date=1 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001085212/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/01/pro-china-candidate-mohamed-muizzu-wins-maldives-presidency-upending-relationship-with-india|url-status=live}}</ref> This stance aligned with the policies of former president [[Abdulla Yameen]], founder of the [[People's National Congress (Maldives)|People's National Congress]], under whom the Maldives joined China's [[Belt and Road Initiative]].<ref name=bbc>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66972981|title=Maldives election: Pro-China candidate Muizzu wins presidency|journal=BBC|access-date=2023-10-01|archive-date=2023-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930221655/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66972981|url-status=live}}</ref>

Muizzu was elected president in the second round, winning 54.04% of the vote against the incumbent Solih's 46.04%. He was sworn in as the new president on 17 November 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Masood |first=Mohamed Iyad |date=2 October 2023 |title=Preparations underway for Muizzu to be sworn in on November 17 |work=Sun |url=https://en.sun.mv/85049 |url-status=live |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110122305/https://en.sun.mv/85049 |archive-date=10 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=24 October 2023 |title=President-elect to be sworn in at 1645hrs on November 17 |work=PSM News |url=https://psmnews.mv/en/127663 |url-status=live |access-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110122422/https://psmnews.mv/en/127663 |archive-date=10 November 2023}}</ref> [[General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party|CCP general secretary]] [[Xi Jinping]] of China welcomed the election,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://themaldivesjournal.com/56242 |title=China's President Xi Jinping Congratulates Maldivian President-Elect Dr. Muizzu |access-date=2023-10-03 |archive-date=2023-10-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004134103/https://themaldivesjournal.com/56242 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://english.news.cn/20231003/b588dc7509fe436381187d5a130329fc/c.html |title=1st LD Writethru: Xi congratulates Muizzu on election as Maldives president-Xinhua |access-date=2023-10-03 |archive-date=2023-10-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004134154/https://english.news.cn/20231003/b588dc7509fe436381187d5a130329fc/c.html |url-status=live }}</ref> while [[Prime Minister of India|Indian Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] congratulated Muizzu and conveyed his "good wishes for the strengthening of democracy, peace, and prosperity in the country."<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1708304499717369955|user=narendramodi|title=Congratulations and greetings to @MMuizzu on being elected as President of the Maldives.|first=Narendra|last=Modi|date=1 October 2023|access-date=17 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016185607/https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1708304499717369955|archive-date=16 October 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Derogatory remarks==

[[File:A beach side resort at Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep.jpg|thumb|[[Kadmat Island]], [[Lakshwadeep]]]]

In January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited [[Lakshwadeep]], a [[union territory]] of India in the Indian Ocean, and posted pictures of an island in Lakshadweep on his [[Instagram]] account as part of the Indian government's effort to boost tourism and promote development in the region.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prime Minister Modi visits Lakshadweep, highlights decade of development in Islands |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/prime-minister-modi-visits-lakshadweep-highlights-decade-of-development-in-islands/article67698363.ece |access-date=8 January 2024 |agency=The Hindu |date=2 January 2024}}</ref> This prompted many Indians to search for and take an interest in the islands.<ref>{{cite news |title=Global search interest in Lakshadweep peaks to a 20-year high after PM Modi's visi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/global-search-interest-in-lakshadweep-peaks-to-a-20-year-high-after-pm-modis-visit/articleshow/106626827.cms |agency=The Times of India |date=8 January 2024}}</ref> Indian social media users began comparing the Maldives, a popular tourist destination for many Indians, with their own domestic islands in Lakshadweep.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Vikrant |title=Maldives jittery as 'Lakshadweep' remains top trend in India for second consecutive day |url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-jittery-as-lakshadweep-remains-top-trend-in-india-for-second-consecutive-day-677193 |agency=WION |date=6 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Banerjee |first1=Anindya |last2=Thirumalai |first2=Nitya |title=Did PM Modi Just Checkmate Hostile Maldives? Google Searches for Lakshadweep Skyrocket |url=https://www.news18.com/india/did-pm-modi-just-checkmate-hostile-maldives-google-searches-for-lakshadweep-skyrocket-8728633.html |agency=News18 |date=5 January 2024}}</ref> In response, Zahid Rameez, a member of the [[Progressive Party of Maldives]], accused the Indian government of "copying a small economy like [[Sri Lanka]]," triggering an online boycott of Maldivian tourism.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Abbas |first1=Ajmal |title=Maldivian leader mocks PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit, remarks spark row |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/prime-minister-narendra-modi-visit-maldives-minister-zahid-rameez-beach-tourism-2485345-2024-01-07 |agency=India Today |publisher=India Today News Desk |date=7 January 2024}}</ref> He further stirred controversy by tweeting that India would be "delusional" to offer service and cleanliness comparable to the Maldives.<ref>{{cite news |title='How can they be so clean?': Maldives politician after PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/how-can-they-be-so-clean-maldives-politician-after-pm-modis-visit-to-lakshadweep-11704598840122.html |agency=Mint |publisher=Livemint |date=7 January 2024}}</ref>

On 7 January, three sitting Maldivian deputy ministers—Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid—made derogatory and racist remarks about Prime Minister Modi and Indians on social media, coinciding with his visit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhaumik |first=Anirban |title=Maldives suspends 3 deputy ministers after India raises issue of derogatory remarks against PM Modi |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/maldives-suspends-3-deputy-ministers-after-india-raises-issue-of-derogatory-remarks-against-pm-modi-2838874 |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-01-08 |title=India summons Maldives envoy over ministers' remarks |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67909061 |access-date=2024-04-11 |language=en-GB}}</ref> The remarks triggered strong reactions in India, leading the Indian High Commission in the Maldives to raise the issue with the [[Maldivian government]].<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title='Opinions personal': Maldives warns leaders over social media attacks on PM Modi |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/opinions-personal-maldives-after-minister-mariyam-shiunas-derogatory-remark-on-pm-modi-sparks-outrage-in-india-2485395-2024-01-07 |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=India Today |date=7 January 2024 |language=en}}</ref> Under President [[Mohamed Muizzu]], the Maldivian government swiftly distanced itself from the comments, suspending the three ministers and emphasizing that their opinions did not reflect the official stance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pandey |first=Ashish |date=2024-01-08 |title="Shameful, Racist": Maldives MP Condemns Ministers' Remark On India, PM Modi – Times of Viral |work=Times of Viral |url=https://timesofviral.com/index.php/2024/01/08/shameful-racist-maldives-mp-condemns-ministers-remark-on-india-pm-modi/ |access-date=2024-01-08 |language=en-US}}</ref> On the same day, the Maldivian government issued a statement condemning the derogatory remarks, clarifying that these opinions were personal and did not represent the government's official position.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-07 |title=HT's full coverage of Maldives row: PM Modi's tweet, ministers' remarks and more |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/maldives-india-controversy-pm-modi-lakshadweep-row-maldives-india-fight-news-mohamed-nasheed-mariyam-shiuna-101704618601158.html |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> The statement reaffirmed the government's commitment to freedom of expression, exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and emphasized that such comments should not hinder close relations with India.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-01-08 |title=Maldives govt suspends 3 ministers over racist remarks against PM Modi for Lakshadweep post: Reports |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maldives-govt-suspends-3-ministers-over-racist-remarks-against-pm-modi-for-lakshadweep-post-reports/articleshow/106614221.cms |access-date=2024-01-08 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> It also indicated that relevant authorities may take action against individuals making such remarks.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bhattacherjee |first=Kallol |date=2024-01-07 |title=Maldives suspends three Deputy Ministers as India raises issue of disrespectful remarks against PM |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/maldives-govt-distances-itself-from-derogatory-remarks-against-pm-modi-by-minister/article67715983.ece |access-date=2024-01-08 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

In April, Mariyam Shiuna, one of the suspended ministers, made a mocking Twitter post about the [[Flag of India|Indian flag]]. Following the uproar over the post, she issued an apology.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-08 |title=Maldives Minister Regrets Disparaging Post 'Mocking' Indian National Flag's Ashok Chakra |url=https://www.news18.com/world/maldives-minister-regrets-disparaging-post-mocking-indian-national-flags-ashok-chakra-8843653.html |access-date=2024-04-14 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref>

==Reaction==

===India===

The remarks by the Maldivian ministers led to widespread outrage in India, with many people canceling planned vacations to the island country. The hashtag "#BoycottMaldives" began trending on social media.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Singh Rawat |first1=Sudeep |title=Boycott Maldives trends on X, here are the celebrities who joined campaign |url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/boycott-maldives-trends-on-x-here-are-the-celebrities-who-joined-campaign-124010800204_1.html |agency=Business Standard |date=8 January 2024}}</ref>

Opposition leader and politician [[Sharad Pawar]] stated, "He is the Prime Minister of our country, and if anyone from another country holding any position makes such comments about our PM, we won't accept it. We must respect the PM's position. We won't accept anything against the Prime Minister from outside the country."<ref>{{cite news |title=Sharad Pawar defends Modi |url=https://news.abplive.com/news/india/ncp-sharad-pawar-reaction-india-maldives-row-unacceptable-pm-narendra-modi-lakshadweep-visit-1655369 |agency=APB News}}</ref>

Indian tourists to the Maldives dipped by 42% in the first four months of 2024 in comparison to the same period in 2023. "<ref>{{cite news |title=With drop in tourist numbers, Maldives sends tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal to India to promote 'Welcome India' initiative|url=https://www.firstpost.com/world/with-drop-in-tourist-numbers-maldives-sends-tourism-minister-ibrahim-faisal-to-india-to-promote-welcome-india-initiative-13798275.html |agency=First post}}</ref>

===Maldives===

Former President [[Mohamed Nasheed]] stated, "The people of the Maldives are sorry; we are sorry that this has happened." He also expressed a desire for Indian tourists to visit during their holidays and assured that this incident would not affect the country's hospitality. He urged the government to resolve the dispute with India.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mishra |first1=Samiran |title="People Of Maldives Are Sorry": Ex President Nasheed Amid Row With India |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/tourism-impacted-amid-row-with-india-ex-maldives-president-5204120 |agency=NDTV |date=9 March 2024}}</ref>

==Rise in tensions==

[[File:Agreement exchange ceremony between the Maldives and China (50).jpg|thumb|right|Muizzu (left) meeting [[Xi Jinping]] in January 2024]]

On 7 January 2024, Muizzu arrived in China on an invitation extended by [[General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party|CCP general secretary]] [[Xi Jinping]].<ref>{{cite news |title=The President and First Lady to make a state visit to China |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/29554 |access-date=4 January 2024 |work=The Presidents Office}}</ref> As a pro-China candidate, Muizzu's presidential campaign focused on reducing Indian influence in Maldivian affairs. Observers have described him as pro-China.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Macan-Markar |first1=Marwaan |date=1 October 2023 |title=Maldives' Muizzu marches to victory on anti-India drumbeat |work=Nikkei Asia |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Maldives-Muizzu-marches-to-victory-on-anti-India-drumbeat |url-status=live |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111002411/https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Maldives-Muizzu-marches-to-victory-on-anti-India-drumbeat |archive-date=11 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=1 October 2023 |title=Who is Mohamed Muizzu, Maldives's pro-China president-elect? |work=Al Jazeera |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/1/who-is-mohamed-muizzu-maldivess-pro-china-president-elect |url-status=live |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031052113/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/1/who-is-mohamed-muizzu-maldivess-pro-china-president-elect |archive-date=31 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="gdn">{{cite news |date=1 October 2023 |title=Pro-China candidate Mohamed Muizzu wins Maldives presidency, upending relationship with India |work=The Guardian |agency=AFP |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/01/pro-china-candidate-mohamed-muizzu-wins-maldives-presidency-upending-relationship-with-india |url-status=live |access-date=11 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012114035/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/01/pro-china-candidate-mohamed-muizzu-wins-maldives-presidency-upending-relationship-with-india |archive-date=12 October 2023}}</ref> On 13 January, in an interview after returning from China, Muizzu stated:

{{Blockquote|text=We, our country maybe small. But that doesn't give you the license to bully us!<ref name="Presidency">{{Cite web |date=13 January 2024|title=Interview after H.E. president's official visit to China |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MI_LpJXcKEM |access-date=14 January 2024 |website=YouTube |publisher=Presidents office, Maldives |type=Video}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=We maybe small. But that doesn't give you the license to bully us. |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/29637 |website=The Presidents Office, Maldives |access-date=13 January 2023}}</ref> }} In pre-office interviews, Muizzu stated that all Indian troops should leave the Maldives. As of 2023, the Maldivian Defense Ministry reported that around 90 Indian personnel were stationed in the country, operating aircraft provided by India.

Following a state visit to China, Muizzu requested that India withdraw its troops by 10 May, linking the conflict to the sovereignty of the Maldives. He views India's failure to withdraw its troops as a sign of disrespect towards the Maldives' democracy. After the second India-Maldives high-level core group meeting, Malé announced that India would replace its military personnel involved in operating its base in the Maldives. India stated only that both sides had agreed on a set of "Mutually Workable Solutions."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/mohamed-muizzu-recalls-sovereignty-vow-in-maldives-parliament-over-india-troops-withdrawal-deadline-101707115678537.html |title=Indian forces to leave Maldives by May 10, Mohamed Muizzu tells parliament |last=Tiwari |first=Vaibhav |accessdate=26 March 2024 |date=5 February 2024 |publisher=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref>
The Maldivian government announced that 51 of these soldiers were repatriated to India on 6 May. By 10 May, the last batch of Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives had been repatriated.<ref>{{cite news |date=10 May 2024 |title=India fully withdraws soldiers from Maldives: Presidential spokesperson |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-fully-withdraws-soldiers-from-maldives-presidential-spokesperson/article68160417.ece |access-date=10 May 2024 |work=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>

On 9 May, Indian [[Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (India)|Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson]] [[Randhir Jaiswal]] announced a diplomatic meeting between Indian Foreign Minister [[S. Jaishankar]] and his Maldivian counterpart, Zameer. The MEA spokesperson also confirmed the appointment of "competent Indian technical personnel" to replace the Indian troops. These personnel are essential for operating Indian aviation platforms, which are crucial for evaluation, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response activities in the Maldives.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-05-10 |title=Reciprocal sensitivity a must for ties: EAM S Jaishankar to Male |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/close-ties-with-neighbours-are-of-great-value-mea-jaishankar-to-maldivian-counterpart/articleshow/109989721.cms |access-date=2024-05-12 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

The move was confirmed again by Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs [[Moosa Zameer]] on 11 May, stating that 78 Indian military personnel would be replaced by civilian employees from [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] to continue operating the Indian aviation platforms gifted to the Maldives. Later, the Maldivian defense minister admitted that the country's defense forces were still not capable of flying the aircraft donated by India.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-05-13 |title=Our troops not capable of operating Dornier aircraft given by India: Maldives Defence Minister |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/our-troops-not-capable-of-operating-dornier-aircraft-given-by-india-maldives-defence-minister/articleshow/110065782.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-05-13 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>

==See also==

{{Portal|India|Maldives|Politics}}
* [[India–Maldives relations]]
* [[Presidency of Mohamed Muizzu]]
* [[China–Maldives relations]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Foreign relations of India}}
{{Foreign relations of the Maldives}}
{{Narendra Modi}}
{{Mohamed Muizzu}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:India-Maldives diplomatic row, 2024}}
[[Category:2024 controversies]]
[[Category:2024 in international relations]]
[[Category:2024 in the Maldives]]
[[Category:January 2024 in India|Maldives diplomatic row]]
[[Category:Diplomatic incidents]]
[[Category:Modi administration|2024 India–Maldives diplomatic row]]
[[Category:Presidency of Mohamed Muizzu]]
[[Category:India–Maldives relations|Diplomatic row]]
[[Category:India and the Commonwealth of Nations]]
[[Category:Maldives and the Commonwealth of Nations]]

2024 India Maldives diplomatic row - Revision history

Aamir2580 at 07:31, 5 April 2026