Deputy Youth Ministers Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef and Mahzoom Majid have been suspended over social media posts mocking the Prime Minister of India.
A senior government official confirmed to Adhadhu that three deputy ministers have been suspended for making derogatory remarks against Modi.
This comes as a social media campaign, joined by Bollywood stars, is underway against Maldives tourism.
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.
Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Shraddha Kapoor, John Abraham and Tiger Shroff posted on X calling on supporters to choose Lakshadweep over the Maldives. Star cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has made a similar post.
Maldives tourism industry stakeholders have expressed concern over the pressure they are facing due to the social media posts.
The Foreign Ministry has also condemned the mockery of Modi and stated that "these opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives."
Politicians have also criticised government officials for the controversy, including the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, former President Mohamed Nasheed and former MP Faris Maumoon.
President Muizzu's administration "must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect government policy," Nasheed said.
