Maldives Minister Apologizes for Controversial Social Media Post Amid Diplomatic Tensions With India

A suspended minister of the Maldives has issued an apology following a controversial social media post directed at the opposition party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which featured a symbol resembling the Ashok Chakra.

In her statement posted on X, Mariyam Shiuna, who is affiliated with the same party as Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, expressed regret for any confusion or offense caused by her recent post. She clarified that the use of an image resembling the Indian flag in her response to the MDP was unintentional, emphasizing her deep respect for the relationship between Maldives and India.

Acknowledging the importance of maintaining mutual respect with India, Ms. Shiuna pledged to exercise greater caution in verifying the content she shares to avoid such oversights in the future.

The controversial post had replaced a compass on an MDP poster with a symbol resembling the Ashok Chakra, amid diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives following President Muizzu’s assumption of office. President Muizzu has called for the withdrawal of Indian troops stationed in the Maldives and pursued closer ties with China.

As the Maldives prepares for elections, President Muizzu has sought to reassure India of their continued partnership while appealing for debt relief. However, the suspended minister’s remark has complicated matters for the People’s National Congress.

This isn’t the first time Ms. Shiuna has made headlines regarding India. Previously, her remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep drew criticism from former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed, who urged the government to distance itself from such statements.