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Following derogatory remarks made by Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India on social media, Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer said that such statements against foreign leaders were “unacceptable” and did not reflect the official position of the Maldivian Government.

He said the Maldives remained committed to fostering “positive and constructive dialogue” with all its partners, especially its neighboring countries.

In a post shared on We remain committed to fostering positive and constructive dialogue with everyone. our partners, especially our neighbors, on the basis of mutual respect and understanding. »

Massive anger erupted after a Maldivian deputy minister, along with cabinet members and other government officials, uttered derogatory and objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to Lakshadweep.

On January 2, PM Modi visited the Union Territory of Lakshadweep and shared several photos, including an “exhilarating experience” when he tried snorkeling.

In the series of posts it contains, Lakshadweep is definitely on your list. »

In a now-deleted post, Maldivian Deputy Youth Empowerment Minister Shiuna made mocking and disrespectful remarks at Prime Minister Modi over his visit to the Indian island chain. Her post even featured a picture of Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Lakshadweep.

A section of Indian film circles also supported Prime Minister Modi and sharply criticized the Maldivian leaders' statements insulting the country and its leaders. They also expressed support for Prime Minister Modi's call to promote beach tourism in Lakshadweep.

Former Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Sunday condemned the use of “hate speech” against India by government officials on social media, and said New Delhi has always been a good friend of the island nation.

Through his official account on social media platform X, Solih wrote, “I condemn the use of hate speech against India by Maldivian government officials on social media. »

He stressed that “India has always been a good friend of the Maldives and we must not allow such insensitive statements to negatively impact the long-standing friendship between our two countries.”

Meanwhile, former Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid said inappropriate comments against the former Foreign Minister and his Indian counterparts on social media were “reprehensible” and “disgusting”.

Calling on the Maldivian government to identify those responsible and reprimand them, the former foreign minister posted on his official X-shaped account: “Disparaging remarks made by two deputy ministers of the current Maldivian government and a member of a political party of the ruling coalition . , towards Prime Minister @narendramodi and the people of India on social media is despicable and hateful. »

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)