Maldives Foreign Minister Musa Zameer is on an official visit to India. Before departing for India, he posted a tweet announcing that he was looking forward to meeting his Indian counterpart, Minister of External Affairs (MEA) S Jaishankar.
He also wrote that he would discuss “deepening and enhancing cooperation” between the two countries for the “mutual benefit” of the people of India and the Maldives.
In a post on arrival, Musa Zameer wrote, “Arrived in New Delhi on his first bilateral official visit to India! 🇮🇳Looking forward to productive discussions, strengthening ties and experiencing the vibrant culture of #India.”
MEA India also posted on Twitter, saying, “Warmly welcome to Maldives FM @MoosaZmeer on his official visit to India. Looking forward to discussing bilateral and regional issues and exploring ways to provide impetus to our multifaceted relations. “
However, the content of Musa Zameer’s tweet did not go down well with many Indian users on X (formerly Twitter). Moreover, many of them are not happy with this trip.
One user asked, “Which mutual benefit?” While another wrote, “A reform sir: This is a one-way benefit for the people of Maldives.”
Some users demanded an apology from the Foreign Minister of Maldives. One user posted, “I hope you will be the first to apologize on behalf of your government and the President.” One user asked, “Where is your apology?”
“Are you serious? After being selected in the India Out campaign, now you want deeper cooperation? Give me one good reason why India should respond positively,” posted another.
What is the context?
Some politicians from the ruling party of Maldives had earlier posted “derogatory comments” about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Maryam Shiuna, one of the ministers suspended for posting anti-India posts on social media, allegedly showed disrespect towards the Indian national flag.
Maldives’ ‘anti-India’ stance
Maldives President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu is known for his ‘anti-India’ stance. Earlier he told BBC about his meeting with the Indian Ambassador. Muizzu “told them very clearly that every Indian military personnel present here should be removed”.
Muizzu’s coalition appears to prioritize strong ties with China, which has given the Maldives millions of dollars in loans and grants for infrastructure. However, India has also provided approximately $2 billion in development assistance to the Maldives with the goal of monitoring an important area of ​​the Indian Ocean.
Muizu’s visit to China in January sparked further talks. “Before COVID, China was our number one market (for tourism) and my request is that we intensify efforts to help China regain this position,” Muizzu said during his visit to China.
However, the Maldivian President rejects the notion that he is “pro-China”. He said, “I am a pro-Maldives person. For me, Maldives comes first, our freedom comes first. I am not pro or anti any country.” Told the BBC.
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Published: 09 May 2024, 10:54 am IST
