Maldives Minister Zahid Rameez, who previously made derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s post promoting tourism in Lakshadweep, extended birthday wishes to Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar on Monday. Rameez posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing, “Happy Birthday to the esteemed Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar! Wishing you a year filled with success and positive diplomatic endeavors”, in response to Jaishankar’s acknowledgment of PM Modi’s birthday wishes.
In his birthday wish to Dr Jaishankar, PM Modi praised “his dedication and contributions in shaping India’s foreign policy”. “Thank you Pradhan Mantri @narendramodi for your kind birthday wishes. Your vision is a constant inspiration as we work towards our nation’s growth and development,” Dr S Jaishankar said in reply to the PM Modi.
Rameez, a member of the Progressive Party of Maldives and a senate member, found himself among the Maldivian politicians who received social media backlash for their posts on X, ridiculing Modi’s promotion of Lakshadweep.
“The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is delusional. How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall,” Rameez wrote in the January 7 controversial post about PM Modi’s lakshadweep images.
The remarks from Maldivian ministers sparked a social media conflict involving Maldivian politicians, government officials, and Indian social media users. Consequently, three Maldivian ministers were suspended due to their comments about PM Modi.