The government has condemned the mockery of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media by senior officials of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration.
Heated exchanges have been taking place on X between some top officials of the Maldivian government and Indian citizens and troll accounts. The spat was kicked off by a video posted by Modi to promote tourism in Lakshadweep.
The government commented for the first time amid the war of words on social media.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the government was aware of derogatory remarks made against foreign leaders by officials in senior posts.
"These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives," reads the statement released in English.
Freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, "and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners," it added.
"Moreover, the relevant authorities of the Government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks," the Foreign Ministry said.
Indian political commenters on X characterized Modi's video as a threat to Maldives tourism. An account named "Mister Sinha" called the current Maldives government "a Chinese puppet" and suggested that the video would boost tourist arrivals to Lakshadweep.
The tweet prompted responses from senior officials in defense of the government. Some individuals mocked Modi and used obscene language from verified accounts of top government officials, including Deputy Youth Ministers Mariyam Shiuna and Malsha Shareef.
In a tweet that she has since deleted, Shiuna called Modi a "joker" and "puppet of Israel." Such tweets on official accounts of government officials completely disregard bilateral ties between the countries, Indian accounts noted.
The derogatory remarks led to growing calls for action against the officials.
In a tweet, former President Mohamed Nasheed criticized the "appalling language" by Shiuna "towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for Maldives’ security and prosperity."
President Muizzu's administration "must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect government policy," Nasheed said.
Former MP Faris Maumoon called on the government to "reprimand public officials who are disrespectful towards heads of state and high officials of friendly countries."
"If such punitive action is not taken, there is room to interpret that the disrespectful comments are condoned by the Maldives government," Faris said in a post on X.
Boating Association President Ismail Hameed (Highrise Issey) said individuals in high-profile positions who represent the nation should be more professional and called the tweets "a shame" for the country.
Former Heritage Minister Yumna Maumoon said the officials should have been aware of the negative repercussions of their remark. Former Climate Change Envoy called it a "silly and dangerous game" for "short term political points."
Several other people also criticized the actions of the officials in top government posts as Shiuna faced calls for her resignation.
