Maldives ministers quit over Modi jibe

MALE: Two Maldi­vian ministers resigned on Tuesday, months after their suspension following a furious spat with India for alleged “derogatory remarks” against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
President Mohamed Muizzu suspended three ministers in January for their remarks, including one calling Modi a “clown”.
The now ex-ministers had criticised Modi following his visit to promote the Indian territory of Lakshadweep, a cluster of atolls just north of the Maldives, as a tourist destination.
Modi posted photographs of himself snorkelling, and suggested the islands should be on the list of any tourist.
There was no word on a third minister, who was also suspended in January.
Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2024