The Maldivian government has said it will not hesitate to take action against political figures who have made insulting and disrespectful remarks against foreign leaders.

The Foreign Ministry said today that it has come to the attention of insulting and disrespectful comments on social media against foreign leaders and high-ranking officials. The statement said those comments do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives.

The statement further said that the Government of the Maldives believes that freedom of expression should be exercised responsibly per democratic principles and in a manner that does not hinder the close relationships between the Maldives and international partners.

"The relevant authorities of the Government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks," the statement read.

The government's statement comes amid a controversy between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and some influential people on social media over a video he posted during his visit to Lakshadweep, a union territory of India, to promote regional tourism.

Some Indians have said that Modi's video promotes that Indians do not have to visit the Maldives for holidays but can experience the beauty of the Maldives while staying in India. This triggered a controversial debate on social media, seen with derogatory remarks by some senior Maldivian government officials and social media activists against India's Prime Minister.

Deputies in the Youth Ministry, Maryam Shiuna and Malsha Sharif, also posted on X mocking the Prime Minister. Many criticisms were directed at them and the government.