Maldives President’s Kin Deletes Post Criticising PM Modi, Sparks Diplomatic Attention

A social media post by Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s brother-in-law briefly stirred diplomatic waters this week after it targeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The post, which criticised PM Modi’s leadership style, was later deleted—raising questions about internal politics in the Maldives and the country’s ongoing balancing act with India.

Deleted Post, Ongoing Message

Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, who is married to President Muizzu’s sister, posted a comment calling PM Modi a “dictator in disguise.” Though the post was swiftly taken down, screenshots had already circulated widely online, prompting discussions about how much the sentiment reflects deeper divisions within the Maldivian political landscape.

Neither Muizzu nor the Maldivian government officially commented on the post, but the incident adds another layer to the strained India-Maldives ties in recent months.

Context Behind the Strain

Since coming to power, President Muizzu has pushed for a stronger “India Out” policy—emphasising Maldives’ sovereignty and reducing Indian military presence on its soil. This has triggered concern in New Delhi, which has historically been a key partner to the island nation, especially in areas like healthcare, tourism, defence, and infrastructure.

While Muizzu has tried to strike a more balanced tone in recent weeks, including reaching out for trade and developmental cooperation, isolated comments from close associates keep complicating that effort.

Why It Matters to India

For India, especially cities and states with strong maritime interests like Kochi, Mangaluru, and Port Blair, the stability of Indian Ocean relationships is key. The Maldives isn’t just a vacation destination—it’s a strategic point in the larger Indo-Pacific framework.

Any political rhetoric that adds friction in that region is taken seriously by Indian policymakers. And when such remarks come from someone close to the Maldivian President, even if unofficial, it gets attention in the corridors of power.

Domestic Politics or Global Statement?

Abdulla Nazim is not a government official, but his post wasn’t random either. He has earlier been involved in local Maldivian politics and has been vocal on social issues. This raises questions: Was the deleted post a personal opinion? Or a reflection of growing internal frustrations within Muizzu’s camp regarding India’s influence?

Either way, the quick removal suggests an attempt to contain potential diplomatic fallout.

Final Word

The episode may not cause an immediate rupture, but it adds to the list of irritants India and Maldives must manage if they wish to maintain a healthy partnership. As both countries prepare for upcoming diplomatic exchanges, the focus may shift from deleted tweets to constructive conversations. Still, in the world of geopolitics, even a now-erased post can echo louder than intended