India: Hopeful on resolving political turbulence with Maldives

Indian Minister for External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar states resolving the political turbulence between India and the Maldives looks “more constructive” following the recent visit by Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer to India.

Tensions arose between Maldives and India after three Maldivian senior government officials – three deputies of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Art, Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid – made derogatory comments at India and its Prime Minister.

Responding to a question posed at a forum held during CII Annual Business Summit in India, Jaishankar said development projects carried out in the Maldives by India, are proceeding well. One such project in this regard is the former Maldivian administration’s Thimamale’ Bridge development project.

He acknowledged that there was some political turbulence between the two nations, however, expressed hopes to resolve it.

“We definitely have some political turbulence. We are hopeful about managing it,” Jaishankar said, adding things are looking “more constructive” since his Maldivian counterpart’s visit to the Maldives.

EAM Jaishankar says development projects with Maldives going well, things are constructive pic.twitter.com/ptBrm0oB97

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Following their remarks in January, all three deputies were effectively suspended from their posts while they are still under suspension.

The incident also sparked widespread criticism against the Maldives by Indian netizens and celebrities alike, who collectively called to boycott Maldives' tourism industry. The 'Boycott Maldives' subsequently dented Indian tourist arrivals, with the market dropping from top position to sixth rank throughout 2024.

Tourist arrivals from India for the first four months dropped 42 percent.

During Zameer’s recent trip to India, he apologized over the remarks, adding the remarks did not reflect the consensus of the Maldivian government or its people.

Discussions were held between the two ministers regarding enhancing cooperation between the Maldives and India. India had also granted an extension to repay USD 50 million owed to the nation in loans by the Maldives.

Zameer, while speaking to an Indian media outlet, also hinted of an impending official visit to India by the Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.