The Maldives government on Sunday distanced itself from derogatory remarks made by its Minister Mariyam Shiuna against PM Modi.

In a statement, the government said the ‘opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives’.

“The government believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and international partners,” the Maldives government statement added.

“The relevant authorities of the government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks,” the statement added.

A controversy erupted after Shiuna, the island nation’s deputy minister of youth empowerment, made derogatory remarks against PM Modi, calling him a ‘clown’ and ‘puppet’ over his recent Lakshadweep visit. However, he deleted the X post soon after outrage over the remark.

Ex-president Mohammad Nasheed condemned Shiuna’s remark, calling it ‘appalling’. “What appalling language by Maldives Government official Mariyam Shiuna towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for the Maldives’ security and prosperity,” Nasheed said in a post on X.