The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) stated that it 'strongly condemns' made by some now-suspended Deputy Ministers on social media against Prime Minister Narendra Modi adding that India has been one of its closest neighbours and allies and always been a first responder to various crises throughout.
"India has always been a first responder to various crises throughout our history and we are immensely grateful to the close relationship that the Government as well as people of India have maintained with us", MATI said.
The tourism body said India has consistently played a significant role in boosting the Maldives' tourism industry especially after post-COVID-19. Since then, India has remained a key market for the Maldives, consistently ranking among the top contributors.
A row erupted on social media last week when a minister and some other leaders in the Maldives used derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Modi after he posted a video of him on a pristine beach in Lakshadweep.
The controversy started when three Deputy Ministers of Maldives criticised Prime Minister Modi on social media platforms after his visit to Lakshadweep. They alleged that India is trying to present Lakshadweep as an alternative tourist destination to Maldives, according to IANS.
On Sunday, the Maldivian government suspended three ministers who posted "derogatory remarks" against Modi and distanced itself from their comments on social media, saying these opinions are "personal and do not represent the views of the Government".
The Maldives is India's key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and occupies a special place in its initiatives like SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Neighbourhood First Policy' of the Modi government.