Maldives ministers quit after ‘clown’ jibe against Modi

MALE, Maldives: Two Maldivian ministers resigned on Tuesday, the government said, months after their suspension following a furious spat with neighbouring powerhouse India for alleged “derogatory remarks” against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu, who suspended three ministers in January for their remarks -- including one reportedly calling Modi a “clown” -- is seeking to rebuild ties with New Delhi.

Known as a luxury holiday destination, the atoll nation has also become a geopolitical hotspot, with New Delhi suspicious of Beijing´s influence in Male.

India´s government has traditionally considered the Maldives, home to around half a million people, within its sphere of influence.

Global east-west shipping lanes pass the nation´s chain of 1,192 tiny coral islands, stretching around 800-kms across the equator.Official sources said the resignations came ahead of a potential visit by Muizzu to New Delhi.

They also follow a visit last month by India´s foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, his first trip to the archipelago nation since Male expelled Indian troops in May.

The now ex-ministers had criticised Modi on social media, sparking angry protests from Indian celebrities who called for a tourism boycott, the mainstay of the nation´s economy.

They criticised Modi following his visit to promote the Indian territory of Lakshadweep, a cluster of atolls just north of the Maldives, as a tourist destination.

Modi posted photographs of himself snorkelling, and suggested the islands should be on the must-visit list of any adventure-seeking tourist.

There was no immediate word on a third minister, who was also suspended in January.

Muizzu travelled to India to attend Modi´s inauguration in June, but has not made a solo official visit.

Since coming to power, Muizzu has toned down his anti-Indian rhetoric and said he would not upend the regional balance by replacing Indian forces with Chinese troops.