Solih: Must not allow callous remarks to negatively impact Maldives-India relations

Former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Sunday, has stressed the need to not allow derogatory comments to negatively impact the age-old friendship between the Maldives and India.

He made the remark in a post X condemning the use of derogatory language against India by top government officials of the Maldives.

In his post, Solih, underscoring India has always been a good friend to the Maldives, stressed the need to not allow such “callous remarks” to negatively impact the age-old friendship between the two nations.

A row erupted on social media last week, after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a video of him in a beach in Lakshadweep,  captioning that a priority will be allotted to promote tourism in the islands of Lakshadweep.

Several pro-Indian government accounts began sharing the video, which they said would promote tourism in Lakshadweep, and become a setback for Maldives – which has an award-winning tourism industry.

Several top government officials also got involved in the row. They, identified as three deputy ministers, have since been suspended for their derogatory comments towards India and Modi.

Solih’s party MDP has also released a statement condemning the Act.

Solih’s administration maintained extremely close ties with India.