India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Friday that he was unaware of a now-deleted social media post by the president of Jamiyyath Salaf, who is also the brother-in-law of President Mohamed Muizzu, labelling Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “terrorist.”
“I’m not aware of the post, I’ve not seen the post,” Misri told a Maldives Republic reporter at a press conference held in Malé.
When pressed, Misri acknowledged that some past remarks made by Maldivian officials had not been constructive but emphasised that bilateral relations remained strong.
“This visit, as well as Dr Muizzu’s visit to India last year, demonstrate the very strong and close relationship between the two sides. I would also say that our ties are strong enough to withstand some of these past remarks,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Malé on Friday for a two-day state visit, the first by a foreign leader under President Muizzu’s administration. The visit comes as both sides work to repair ties that became strained after Muizzu, viewed as favouring closer relations with China, called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives.
President Muizzu, who rose to power on the back of the “India Out” movement, had made the removal of Indian troops a key campaign pledge. India has since removed its troops, and both governments have signalled a willingness to re-engage.
The controversy over the deleted post erupted earlier this week when Abdulla bin Mohamed Ibrahim, brother of First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, criticised Modi’s invitation as guest of honour at Saturday’s Independence Day celebrations.
In the now-deleted post, written in Dhivehi, Abdulla said:
“Modi is a great enemy of Islam, a terrorist who demolished the Babri mosque, built a temple there, looted old Muslim lands, burnt many Muslims and turned Ahmedabad into a cemetery. It is a great tragedy to honour him with anything in this country.”
Jamiyyath Salaf is widely believed to have close ties to the Muizzu government and maintains personal links with both President Muizzu and First Lady.
Despite the controversy, Modi received a ceremonial welcome upon arrival and is expected to attend the official Independence Day events on Saturday.