Opposition Leader Calls for No-Confidence Motion amid India’s Dispute to Safeguard Maldives
After the recent dispute with India, preparations are in progress to introduce a no-confidence motion against President Muizzu in the Maldives. Ali Azim, the leader of the Maldives Democratic Party (opposition party), emphasized the need to strengthen the country’s foreign policy. He expressed concerns on social media about the potential disintegration of neighboring countries and questioned whether the Maldivian Democratic Party would move a no-confidence motion against President Muizzu.
Israel’s Strategic Move: Seawater Desalination Plant in Lakshadweep
Amid strained relations between India and the Maldives, Israel has made a significant announcement. Israel is set to establish a seawater desalination plant in Lakshadweep, beginning on January 9, 2024. The announcement gains importance as it follows disparaging remarks about India by former Maldivian Minister Mariam Sheuna. The diplomatic tensions intensified on January 7 when three Maldivian ministers were suspended for comments about India and Prime Minister Modi.
Israel’s Project in Lakshadweep Amid Diplomatic Turmoil
The Embassy of Israel announced on social media that they would commence work on a seawater purification project in Lakshadweep on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Israel shared images of its team visiting Lakshadweep the previous year, emphasizing the beauty of the region. The announcement coincided with heightened tensions between India and the Maldives.
Controversial Social Media Comments and Diplomatic Tensions
The recent escalation in India-Maldives relations on January 7 was triggered by controversial comments from three Maldivian ministers on social media regarding India and Prime Minister Modi. The ministers’ comments, including remarks about India-Israel relations, led to the trending hashtag #BoycottMaldives in India. The Maldives government suspended the three ministers, Malsha Sharif, Maryam Shiuna, and Abdullah Mahjoom Majid, for damage control.
Google Searches and Diplomatic Exchanges
Lakshadweep witnessed record-breaking Google searches, becoming the most searched term in 20 years, according to a media report. The surge in interest followed Prime Minister Modi’s visit, resulting in a 3400% increase in searches on MakeMyTrip. Diplomatically, India and the Maldives engaged in discussions at the diplomatic level, with both high commissioners summoned to address the situation. India emphasized the need for corrective actions, including the dismissal of the three suspended ministers.
Diplomatic Ultimatum: Sack Ministers, Not Just Suspend
Amid the diplomatic exchanges, the High Commissioner of Maldives was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs in India. It was conveyed that the relationship between the two countries had deteriorated, and President Muizzu should take responsibility. India insisted that the Maldives government should go beyond suspensions and terminate the three ministers who made derogatory comments against PM Modi and India.
