Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu embarks on a state visit to China amidst a diplomatic row with India. The trip, his first bilateral visit since taking office, follows the suspension of three deputy ministers over derogatory remarks about PM Narendra Modi's promotion of India's Lakshadweep archipelago. Some view the visit as an attempt to divert tourism from the Maldives. Controversial comments on social media triggered dismay from prominent Indians. India, a crucial tourism contributor, faces strained relations with Muizzu perceived as pro-Chinese. Competing for influence, both India and China have vested interests in the Maldives, further complicating regional dynamics

Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer denounced derogatory comments by Maldivian ministers against PM Narendra Modi and India. He emphasized that such remarks are "unacceptable" and don't reflect the official stance of the Maldives government. Zameer reaffirmed the commitment to fostering a positive dialogue with neighbors. The controversy arose after a Maldivian deputy minister and officials disparaged PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit. Former President Solih condemned the "hateful language," urging the preservation of the enduring friendship with India. Ex-Foreign Minister Shahid called for identifying responsible officials. The incident sparked a significant uproar, prompting calls for accountability and reinforcing diplomatic ties.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to visit London on January 8 for a two-day bilateral meeting with UK Defence Minister Grant Shapps. The talks will focus on defense, security, and industrial cooperation. Singh will also meet UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Foreign Secretary David Cameron, and engage with CEOs and industry leaders from the UK Defense Industry. Discussions will encompass critical technology sharing and potential collaboration in developing fighter aircraft and military platforms. The visit aims to strengthen ties between the two nations and address regional situations in the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Ukraine.

Several ex-Maldivian ministers express support for India after derogatory remarks against PM Narendra Modi by Deputy Minister Mariyam Shiuna. Former President Mohammed Nasheed distances government from comments. Suspensions follow for ministers who posted supportive comments on social media. Ex-President Solih emphasizes India's longstanding friendship, while former minister Ahmed Adeeb urges a friendly approach for positive relations. Ex-Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid calls for government reprimand and stresses India's historical support. Controversy sparked by PM Modi's viral post on Lakshadweep, leading to calls for boycotting Maldives and strained relations. #BoycottMaldives gains momentum on social media.

Maldives government suspends three ministers, including Mariyam Shiuna, for derogatory remarks about PM Narendra Modi after his Lakshadweep visit. The move follows a surge in cancellations of tourist bookings from India. Maldivian Foreign Ministry clarifies that such opinions are personal and do not represent the government's views. Former president Mohamed Nasheed and Vice President Ahmed Adeeb condemn the remarks. Over 8,000 hotel bookings and 2,500 flight tickets reportedly canceled in retaliation. The Maldives, a key maritime neighbor to India, plays a crucial role in regional initiatives like 'SAGAR' and 'Neighbourhood First Policy.'

The Maldives government has distanced itself from minister Mariyam Shiuna's offensive remarks against PM Modi, stating they were her "personal opinion". In an official statement, the Maldives government said it was aware of derogatory comments on social media against foreign leaders, but these do not represent its views. It believes freedom of expression should be exercised responsibly without spreading hatred or hurting ties with international partners. The government added it won't hesitate to take action against those making such remarks. The row erupted after multiple Maldivian politicians, including Shiuna, mocked Modi's recent Lakshadweep visit, calling him names in now-deleted tweets. The government's statement attempts to defuse the escalating tensions.

Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed has slammed minister Mariyam Shiuna's derogatory remarks against PM Modi, urging President Muizzu's government to disown them. Shiuna used abusive language against Modi over the Lakshadweep tourism row, taking down posts after backlash. Nasheed stressed India is key for Maldives' security and prosperity. He asked the government to distance itself from Shiuna's comments and assure they don't reflect its policy. The row erupts amidst strained India-Maldives ties since Muizzu assumed power in November 2023. Muizzu is considered pro-China while his predecessor Solih had good relations with India. Nasheed described Shiuna's language as appalling, underscoring India's instrumental role as an ally. He wants reassurance on whether or not such comments represent official government stance.

'#BoycottMaldives' trended on social media after Maldivian leaders mocked PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit, making racist comments against India. Politician Zahid Rameez and minister Mariyam Shiuna targeted Indians, triggering widespread fury. Indians cancelled Maldives trips, pushing Lakshadweep tourism instead. Celebrities like John Abraham and Akshay Kumar slammed the unprovoked hate and urged dignity first, exploring Indian islands now. Users shared photos of Lakshadweep's beauty. The provocation began with Rameez accusing India of copying small economies like Sri Lanka to profit from Lakshadweep. After Modi's snorkeling pictures went viral and Lakshadweep searches surged, the mocking posts invited calls for boycott. 

A Maldives minister's tweet criticizing India's beach tourism potential after PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep has sparked a social media furor. The tweet came as posts of Modi snorkeling in Lakshadweep went viral with suggestions for it as an alternative to the Maldives. This further strained recent tensions since President Mohamed Muizzu assumed power. Muizzu has pledged discarding the "India first" policy and removing Indian military presence. Meanwhile, Muizzu is scheduled to visit China on January 9th after an invite from President Xi Jinping. Despite previous Maldivian presidents visiting India first given close bilateral ties, Muizzu's vice president recently visited China instead - underscoring shifts in strategic regional alignments. The tweet row underscores debates around India competing with the Maldives in beach tourism.

An Indian student, Ram Raut from Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Italy on January 2nd. Raut had gone to Italy for pursuing an MBA degree and was living in rented accommodation. His death came to light when his parents tried to extend New Year greetings over a phone call which went unanswered. They then contacted his accommodation owner and learnt of his death in another house's washroom. Following this, Raut's aggrieved family approached Jharkhand government authorities seeking help to bring his body back to India. The West Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner confirmed receiving information about the death and having informed state departments to facilitate necessary action. The administration is monitoring developments and in contact with the bereaved family.