Maldivian Member of Parliament (MP) and former deputy speaker Eva Abdulla has said it is important for Maldives to issue a formal apology to the Indian people for the derogatory remarks made against PM Narendra Modi over his recent visit to  Lakshadweep.

“It is absolutely critical that the Government of Maldives distanced itself from the comments by the minister. I know that the government has suspended the ministers, but I think it is important that the Government of Maldives issue a formal apology to the Indian people,” she told ANI.

Latest development in Maldives

Two opposition MPs of Maldives have demanded the sacking of President Mohamed Muizzu amid the ongoing controversy over critical comments made by the country's ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, media reports said.

Ali Azim and Meekail Naseems are the two MPs who have demanded steps to sack the President, who is viewed as pro-China, amid the brewing tension between the two countries.

India-Maldives diplomatic row

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Maldivian envoy to India Ibrahim Shaheeb on Monday (January 8, 2024) and conveyed strong concern over remarks posted on social media against Prime Minister Narendra Modi who posted pictures from Lakshadweep.

As per reports, the Maldives High Commissioner was seen arriving at the MEA office building and leaving a short while later.

The Ministry summoned the envoy amid the ongoing row between India and the Maldives over derogatory remarks made by Maldivian leaders against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep.

Maldives government's reaction to Ministers remarks

The Maldives government has distanced itself from the remarks made by its ministers. Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer said that these remarks against foreign leaders are “unacceptable” and do not reflect the official position of the Maldives government.