The Indian High Commissioner to Maldives, Munu Mahawar, engaged in a “pre-arranged meeting” with Ali Naseer Mohamed, the Ambassador at Large at the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Male on Monday. The Indian High Commission in Maldives shared on X, “High Commissioner Munu Mahawar had a pre-arranged meeting with H.E. Dr Ali Naseer Mohamed, Ambassador at Large, at MoFA, Maldives, today to discuss bilateral issues.”
This meeting occurs in the midst of an ongoing dispute between India and Maldives over derogatory comments made by Maldivian leaders against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India following his recent visit to Lakshadweep.
Earlier in the day, Ibrahim Shaheeb, the Maldives Envoy to India, was observed leaving the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi’s South Block. Shaheeb arrived at the MEA office building and departed shortly thereafter.
A significant controversy emerged last week when Maldivian deputy ministers and other officials made disparaging remarks about PM Modi’s Lakshadweep visit. On January 2, PM Modi visited the Union Territory of Lakshadweep and shared pictures of his experience with snorkeling. The Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, made mocking remarks about PM Modi in a now-deleted post.
The Maldives government distanced itself from these comments, with Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer stating that such remarks are “unacceptable” and do not reflect the official position of the Maldives government. He affirmed the Maldives’ commitment to positive and constructive dialogue with all partners.
Former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih condemned the use of hateful language against India and emphasized that India has always been a good friend to the Maldives. Former Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid described the derogatory remarks as reprehensible and odious.
The meeting between the Indian High Commissioner and the Maldivian Ambassador at Large is seen as part of diplomatic efforts to address and resolve the tensions arising from the controversial comments.