Deeply value relationship with India: Maldives' suspended minister for posting 'disrespectful' image resembling Indian Flag

Mariyam Shiuna, one of the suspended Maldives Ministers for comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi has again ignited fire after posting an image, now deleted, that is allegedly disrespecting the national flag of India.

After facing massive backlash on social media, the suspended Minister turned to her social media profile X to clear the air around the controversy.

"I extend my sincerest apologies for any confusion or offense caused by the content of my recent post. It was brought to my attention that the image used in my response to the Maldivian opposition party MDP bore a resemblance to the Indian flag," said Shiuna in a post on X. The politician added that the post was entirely unintentional.


"I sincerely regret any misunderstanding it may have caused. Maldives deeply value its relationship and, the mutual respect we share with India. In future I will be more vigilant in verifying the content I share to prevent such oversights," added Shiuna.

The controversy erupted coincided with India's decision to renew the quota for essential commodities, emphasizing the deepening bilateral ties and efforts to expand trade. The renewal covers various commodities for 2024-25, marking the highest approved quantities since the 1981 agreement.

Earlier this year, Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid faced suspension due to their comments targeting Prime Minister Modi, leading to significant public backlash. Shiuna expressed derogatory remarks against PM Modi on the social media platform X. Her post, now removed, contained images of PM Modi during his recent visit to Lakshadweep.

In response to these comments, the Maldives government took action by suspending the three ministers for their disrespectful statements against PM Modi.