The Maldives government suspended three of its ministers- Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha and Hassan Zihan- for their ‘derogatory remarks on India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the latter’s Lakshadweep visit., local media Atoll Times reported.

The local media Maldives government quoted spokesperson Ibrahim Khaleel, “All government officials responsible for the comments have been suspended from their post effective immediately”.

One of the suspended deputy minister of Maldives cabinet, Hassan Zihan, had quoted a local media tweet on microblogging platform X and had called the news “Fake”.

Earlier, the  government of Maldives issued a statement clarifying their stance on Minister Mariyam Shiuna’s remarks on PM Narendra Modi’s Lakshwadeep visit. The Maldives government  which saw a sudden surge in cancellations in tourists from India, said that they would not hesitate to take action against those who make such “derogatory remarks”.