Govt face criticism for thanking India after renewal of quotas

Apr 6, 2024, 8:15 AM
Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and Indian Ambassador Munu Mahawar.

Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and Indian Ambassador Munu Mahawar.

The government has faced criticism after Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer thanked India for renewing the quota on essential commodities.

Social media users noted that an "India Out" campaign was carried out by senior officials of the current government in order to come to power.

They also referred to remarks made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu earlier this year claiming to that steps would be taken to stop dependence on India.

On Friday, India announced that quota will be renewed for commodities to be imported into the Maldives under a special permit due to bilateral relations.

Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer thanked the Indian government and External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in a post on X.

"This is truly a gesture which signifies the longstanding friendship, and the strong commitment to further expand bilateral trade and commerce between our two countries," he wrote.

However, the post has drawn criticism from both Maldivians and Indians.

"The people of the Maldives are grateful. India has a big heart. If Minister Zameer remembers Muizzu's China trip's famous phrase, saying 'even though we are small, no one can bully us,' was it necessary to irk a responsible neighbor?" one person wrote.

"As a Maldivian citizen, I call on the government to remove those who mocked PM Modi. I support Dr. Muizzu's pro-Maldives stance but I don't accept mocking at world leaders," another person wrote in relation to the suspended deputy ministers.

"So what happened to your India out campaign upon which you fought the election?" one person wrote.

Some people also questioned about the shipment of staples from Turkey. President Muizzu earlier said the shipment would arrived before the end of February.

"Agreement has been made with Türkiye for the supply of rice, sugar, flour and other items enough for one year and an additional 10 percent. The agreement has now been signed to bring staples from Türkiye enough for a year and an additional 10 percent," the President said.

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