Zameer apologizes to India over senior officials' remarks

Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer has apologized to the Indian government over the derogatory remarks made by Maldivian high-ranking officials at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During his current official state visit to India, the minister on Thursday had condemned the act while assuring it will not repeat again.

Earlier in January, three deputies of the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid made derogatory comments at India and its Prime Minister.

While the tensions that rose due to this online debacle is still prevalent between the peoples of both countries, Minister Zameer is currently visiting India and meeting its high-ranking officials for discussions.

In his visit, Zameer spoke with India's ANI News affirming the statements made by the deputies did not reflect the consensus of the Maldivian government or its people.

"It should not have been allowed in my opinion, but to ensure such a circumstance does not report, we are taking necessary steps," Zameer said.

While initially the countries appeared confused over the matter, the two nations have since overcome their differences.

Following their remarks in January, all three deputies were effectively suspended from their posts while they are still under suspension.

The incident also sparked widespread criticism against the Maldives by Indian netizens and celebrities alike, who collectively called to boycott Maldivian tourism industry. The 'Boycott Maldives' subsequently dented Indian tourist arrivals, with the market dropping from top position to sixth rank throughout in 2024.

Highlighting this, Zameer said Indian arrivals increased 16 to 17 hours, which he added has once again dropped. The minister however, expressed confidence the market will gain momentum in the coming months.

Tourist arrivals from India for the first four months dropped 42 percent.