“Suspended Maldives Minister Offers Apology Amidst Controversy Over Remarks on Indian Flag”
Mariyam Shiuna, the suspended Minister from the Maldives, found herself embroiled in controversy after a social media post sparked widespread anger over its perceived disrespect towards the Indian national flag. The post, which featured a campaign poster from an opposition party with the Indian Tricolour replacing the party’s logo, was interpreted as a deliberate attempt to garner votes for Shiuna’s party ahead of parliamentary elections in the Maldives.
However, the post’s resemblance to the Indian flag led to sharp criticism from Indian social media users, prompting demands for decisive action from Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. In response, Shiuna swiftly deleted the post and issued an apology, expressing regret for any confusion or offense caused. She clarified that the resemblance to the Indian flag was unintentional and reaffirmed the Maldives’ deep respect for India and the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
This incident unfolded amidst a backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives, which escalated following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep in January 2024. PM Modi’s promotion of Lakshadweep’s beauty on social media drew criticism from Maldivian officials, including Shiuna, leading to disparaging remarks directed towards India and the Prime Minister.
Despite these tensions, India remains a crucial economic ally for the Maldives, serving as a significant source of imports and essential commodities like rice and medicine. Recently, New Delhi renewed the quota for importing essential commodities to Male for the upcoming year, underscoring the enduring economic cooperation between the two countries despite diplomatic challenges.
Author:- Apoorva Arora