Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed has issued a public apology to India on behalf of the Maldivian people, in an attempt to mend the strained relations between the two countries. He expressed his regret over the derogatory remarks made by certain Maldivian government officials about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which caused recent tensions. Nasheed exclusively spoke to Asian News International (ANI) and conveyed his earnest apologies for the same.
President Nasheed acknowledged that the comments made by a few government employees had adversely affected the longstanding and amicable relations between the two nations. He revealed that these officials have since been suspended in response to their remarks, emphasizing that their actions do not reflect the sentiments of the Maldivian people.
Furthermore, President Nasheed addressed the repercussions of the diplomatic fallout, citing calls from influential Indians to boycott Maldivian tourism. This boycott campaign has had a detrimental impact on the Maldives, a nation heavily dependent on tourism revenue for its economy.
In light of these developments, President Nasheed extended a heartfelt apology to India, expressing remorse for the strain caused to bilateral relations. He underscored the desire of the Maldivian people to maintain strong ties with India and emphasized the warm hospitality awaiting Indian visitors to the Maldives.
The diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives initially flared following criticism from senior Maldivian officials regarding a promotional video endorsed by Prime Minister Modi to boost tourism in the Indian-administered Lakshadweep islands. The subsequent backlash from some sections of the Indian populace led to calls for a boycott of Maldivian tourism, exacerbating the rift between the two countries.
President Nasheed's apology signals a conciliatory gesture aimed at restoring trust and cooperation between the Maldives and India, reaffirming the mutual commitment to fostering a positive and constructive relationship moving forward.
President Nasheed acknowledged that the comments made by a few government employees had adversely affected the longstanding and amicable relations between the two nations. He revealed that these officials have since been suspended in response to their remarks, emphasizing that their actions do not reflect the sentiments of the Maldivian people.
Furthermore, President Nasheed addressed the repercussions of the diplomatic fallout, citing calls from influential Indians to boycott Maldivian tourism. This boycott campaign has had a detrimental impact on the Maldives, a nation heavily dependent on tourism revenue for its economy.
In light of these developments, President Nasheed extended a heartfelt apology to India, expressing remorse for the strain caused to bilateral relations. He underscored the desire of the Maldivian people to maintain strong ties with India and emphasized the warm hospitality awaiting Indian visitors to the Maldives.
The diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives initially flared following criticism from senior Maldivian officials regarding a promotional video endorsed by Prime Minister Modi to boost tourism in the Indian-administered Lakshadweep islands. The subsequent backlash from some sections of the Indian populace led to calls for a boycott of Maldivian tourism, exacerbating the rift between the two countries.
President Nasheed's apology signals a conciliatory gesture aimed at restoring trust and cooperation between the Maldives and India, reaffirming the mutual commitment to fostering a positive and constructive relationship moving forward.
