The political turmoil in the Maldives has deepened as Member of Parliament Ali Azim, affiliated with The Democrats, called for the removal of President Mohamed Muizzu amid a growing dispute over critical comments directed at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Azim urged the largest opposition party, the MDP, to initiate a vote of no-confidence, while another MP, Meekail Naseem, requested Parliament to question Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer over perceived inaction on derogatory remarks against PM Modi.

Opposition lawmakers intensify their attacks on President Muizzu ahead of the upcoming general elections this year. MDP leader Mariya Ahmed Didi criticized the ruling party for jeopardizing an "age-old relationship" with India and emphasized an "India first policy."

Ahmed Mahloof, another MDP leader and former Youth and Sports Minister, expressed concerns about the potential adverse impact on the Maldivian economy if Indian tourists continue to boycott the country. He warned of difficulties in recovery, given the significant contribution of Indian tourists to foreign exchange and job creation. Reports of mass cancellations by Indian tourists prompted the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry to condemn "derogatory comments" against PM Modi.

Former Tourism Minister Abdulla Mausoom urged Indians to disregard the comments of any minister and emphasized the Maldives' reliance on tourism, with Indian travelers being key sources of income.

Prominent Maldivian figures, including former President Ibrahim Solih and ex-Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid, criticized the use of "hateful language" and deemed the remarks against India as "reprehensible." Former Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla labeled the comments as "racist," acknowledging rightful Indian anger.

President Muizzu's government termed the comments "unacceptable," with Foreign Minister Zameer expressing commitment to constructive dialogue with neighbors. Three ministers have been suspended in response.

The dispute erupted after PM Modi promoted Lakshadweep's tourism industry, leading to a #BoycottMaldives trend on Twitter. Bollywood celebrities and cricketers contributed to the trend. India's response has been measured, with New Delhi summoning the Maldives envoy, but neither the PM nor Foreign Minister S Jaishankar making public statements. Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Patel mentioned the challenge to India's dignity but dismissed the notion of a public apology.

The comments attacking PM Modi underscore strained India-Maldives ties, particularly since Muizzu, perceived as pro-China, assumed the presidency and praised Beijing as a "valued ally" during his State visit. China, while not formally reacting, acknowledged a "friendly and cooperative relationship" with the Maldives, according to the state-run Global Times.

The political turmoil in the Maldives has deepened as Member of Parliament Ali Azim, affiliated with The Democrats, called for the removal of President Mohamed Muizzu amid a growing dispute over critical comments directed at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Azim urged the largest opposition party, the MDP, to initiate a vote of no-confidence, while another MP, Meekail Naseem, requested Parliament to question Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer over perceived inaction on derogatory remarks against PM Modi.

Opposition lawmakers intensify their attacks on President Muizzu ahead of the upcoming general elections this year. MDP leader Mariya Ahmed Didi criticized the ruling party for jeopardizing an "age-old relationship" with India and emphasized an "India first policy."

Ahmed Mahloof, another MDP leader and former Youth and Sports Minister, expressed concerns about the potential adverse impact on the Maldivian economy if Indian tourists continue to boycott the country. He warned of difficulties in recovery, given the significant contribution of Indian tourists to foreign exchange and job creation. Reports of mass cancellations by Indian tourists prompted the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry to condemn "derogatory comments" against PM Modi.

Former Tourism Minister Abdulla Mausoom urged Indians to disregard the comments of any minister and emphasized the Maldives' reliance on tourism, with Indian travelers being key sources of income.

Prominent Maldivian figures, including former President Ibrahim Solih and ex-Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid, criticized the use of "hateful language" and deemed the remarks against India as "reprehensible." Former Deputy Speaker Eva Abdulla labeled the comments as "racist," acknowledging rightful Indian anger.

President Muizzu's government termed the comments "unacceptable," with Foreign Minister Zameer expressing commitment to constructive dialogue with neighbors. Three ministers have been suspended in response.

The dispute erupted after PM Modi promoted Lakshadweep's tourism industry, leading to a #BoycottMaldives trend on Twitter. Bollywood celebrities and cricketers contributed to the trend. India's response has been measured, with New Delhi summoning the Maldives envoy, but neither the PM nor Foreign Minister S Jaishankar making public statements. Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Patel mentioned the challenge to India's dignity but dismissed the notion of a public apology.

The comments attacking PM Modi underscore strained India-Maldives ties, particularly since Muizzu, perceived as pro-China, assumed the presidency and praised Beijing as a "valued ally" during his State visit. China, while not formally reacting, acknowledged a "friendly and cooperative relationship" with the Maldives, according to the state-run Global Times.