The two Maldivian ministers, who were suspended for their alleged “derogatory remarks” against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, resigned on Tuesday.
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu suspended three ministers in January for their remarks, with one minister reportedly calling PM Modi a “clown”.
A Maldivian government official said that both ministers, Mariyam Shiuna and Malsha Shareef, had resigned citing “personal reasons”.
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According to the official sources, the resignations came ahead of a potential visit by Muizzu to India.
Maldivian President to visit India
Amid the strained ties between the two countries, Maldivian President will be travelling to New Delhi on an official visit “very soon”, his spokesperson confirmed.
Heena Waleed, the chief spokesperson at the President’s Office, announced his visit on the same day the two ministers resigned.
“The President is scheduled to visit India very soon. As you are aware, such trips are scheduled for a time of maximum convenience to leaders of the two countries. Discussions regarding this are in progress,” she said during a press conference.
After the ministers made those remarks, the country’s foreign ministry distanced itself from their remarks, saying they did not represent the views of the Male government.
The ties between the two countries have been strained since Maldivian President Muizzu took charge as president.
Within a few hours of taking oath, he demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel manning three aviation platforms gifted by India to the Maldives.
After holding talks, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians.
The Maldives is one of India’s key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean region and the overall bilateral ties, including in the areas of defence and security.
(With inputs from agencies)