After anti-India posts, 3 Maldives leaders in dock

The Maldives government on Sunday suspended at least three ministers who made derogatory comments on social media against India and its leadership even as it distanced itself from the remarks and urged officials not to do anything that affects ties with international partners.

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The row erupted over the weekend after some Maldivian leaders, including Zahid Rameez, a leader of the Progressive Party of Maldives that is part of the government, and deputy minister Mariyam Shiuna, reacted to posts on social media describing Lakshadweep as a tourist destination that rivals the Maldives following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the islands.

"All government officials responsible for the comments have been suspended from their post effective immediately," said Ibrahim Khaleel, spokesperson for the President of Maldives.

While Khaleel didn't name the officials, reports in the Maldivian media identified them as Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, all of whom are deputy ministers in the ministry of Youth Empowerment, information and art. It could not be confirmed if any action was taken against Rameez.

People familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity that the Indian side had conveyed its concerns over the derogatory remarks to the Maldives. The row comes at a time when the new President of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, who is perceived to be pro-China, has called on India to withdraw some Indian military personnel posted in the Indian Ocean archipelago to operate two helicopters and an aircraft.