KARNATAKA: Within the context of a diplomatic spat with the Maldives over three deputy ministers’ ‘derogatory remarks’ about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress claimed on Tuesday that the PM has been taking things ‘personally’ ever since he took office in 2014. In an interview with the media, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge promoted cordial ties with neighbours. “Since assuming office, Narendra Modi has been interpreting everything personally. On a global scale, we ought to maintain positive relations with our neighbours…We must act in accordance with the clock.We are powerless to alter our neighbours,” Kharge remarked. After PM Modi visited the Lakshadweep Islands to boost tourism, three Maldivian deputy ministers made disparaging statements about him. This led to a diplomatic spat with the Maldives.All it took for PM Modi to promote travel to the Lakshadweep islands this past weekend was a string of postings on X. But it also sparked a social media feud between Indian users and politicians, government employees, and Maldivian politicians. Prominent Maldivian social media users, including politicians, quickly responded to PM Modi’s message with disparaging remarks against Indians and the PM. The Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, made a derogatory and sarcastic reference to Prime Minister Modi in a post that has since been removed. Nonetheless, the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has vehemently denounced disparaging statements made by government representatives. Declaring India to be among the Maldives’ closest allies and neighbours, MATI pointed out that throughout the island nation’s history, India has always been the first to respond to major crises. “India is among our closest allies and neighbours. Throughout our history, India has consistently been the first to respond to crises, and we are incredibly appreciative of the close ties that the Indian government and people have maintained with us,” a statement from MAITI read. It emphasised how India has “consistently and significantly contributed to the Maldives’ tourism industry.” After the borders were reopened, it was said that India had “greatly assisted” the Maldives’ recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic.As per MATI’s news release, “Since then, India has continued to remain as one of the top markets for the Maldives.” “It is our sincere wish that the close relationship between our two nations endures for generations to come and as such, we refrain from actions or speech that may have any negative impact on our good relationship,” it continued.
