Male: The presidential election was held in Maldives, India’s main maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean region, in September last year. Mohammed Moois was sworn in as the new President of Maldives last November, defeating President Mohammed Soli, who had been working in support of India at the event.
Known for his pro-China stance, he insisted upon the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives. He also announced that more than 100 agreements with India will be reviewed.
India-Maldives relations have been strained since Mohammed Moois took over as president, with three Maldivian-based ministers posting objectionable comments on social media against Prime Minister Modi.
Ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, the comments posted by some of the country’s leaders, including the Maldivian ministries, on social media caused a lot of doubt. These comments were insulting to India and Prime Minister Modi and expressed racism. Following this, the Indians posted retaliatory comments on social media causing a backlash.
It is also noteworthy that the opposition leaders of the country had strongly condemned the comments made by the Maldivian ministers against India and Prime Minister Modi.
In this case, the President of the Jamhuri Party of the country Kasuim Ibrahim has insisted that the President of Maldives, Mohammed Moois, should apologize to Prime Minister Modi.
Jamhuri Party leader Kasuim Ibrahim has also urged the President of Maldives to apologize for his implicit criticisms against India and to take appropriate measures to reconcile diplomatic relations with India.