...PM Modi taking everything personally: Kharge amid diplomatic row with Maldives

KALABURGI: Amid a diplomatic row with the Maldives following 'derogatory remarks' against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by three Maldivian deputy ministers, Congress on Tuesday alleged that the PM is taking everything 'personally' since he came to power in 2014. Speaking to the media, the Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge advocated for having good relations with neighbours.

"After Narendra Modi came to power, he is taking everything personally. At the international level, we should keep a good relationship with our neighbours...We should act according to time...We cannot change our neighbours..." Kharge said. The diplomatic row with the Maldives started following derogatory remarks against PM Modi by three Maldivian deputy ministers after his visit to the Lakshadweep Islands to promote tourism there. All it took was a series of posts on X this weekend from PM Modi, promoting tourism in the Lakshadweep islands. However, it set off a social media war between Maldivian politicians, government officials and Indian social media users. Soon after PM Modi's post, some prominent Maldivian social media users including politician responded to it with derogatory comments against Indian and the PM.

In a post that has now been deleted, the Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, made a mocking and disrespectful reference to PM Modi. However, the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has strongly condemned derogatory remarks made by officials. Terming India as one of the closest neighbours and allies of the Maldives, MATI noted that India has always been a first responder to various crises throughout the history of the island country.

India is one of our closest neighbours and allies. India has always been a first responder to various crises throughout our history and we are immensely grateful to the close relationship that the government as well as the people of India have maintained with us," MAITI said in a statement.

It stressed that India has been a "consistent and significant contributor to the tourism industry of the Maldives." It stated that India has "greatly assisted" Maldives recovery efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic after the borders were reopened. In a press release, MATI stated, "Since then, India has continued to remain as one of the top markets for the Maldives."

"It is our sincere wish that the close relationship between our two nations endures for generations to come and as such, we refrain from actions or speech that may have any negative impact on our good relationship," it added.