Article:

MALE, Maldives - In a move to maintain diplomatic relations, the President of Maldives, Muizzu, has suspended three of his deputy ministers for posting derogatory comments against India, their closest neighboring country and a major source of tourism for the Maldives. The suspension came after the deputies responded to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promotion of India's Lakshadweep archipelago, which bears similarities to the Maldives.

India has been a significant contributor to the Maldives' economy, with Indian tourists constituting the largest number of visitors to the islands last year. Renowned for its luxury resorts and picturesque beaches, the Maldives relies heavily on tourism to sustain its economy. Additionally, India holds strategic importance to the Maldives, with military personnel and helicopters stationed on the islands. However, relations between the two countries have soured since Muizzu, considered to be pro-Chinese, was elected in November.

Indian celebrities often visit the Maldives for vacations and honeymoons, and many of them expressed their disapproval of the derogatory comments made by the deputy ministers on social media. The Maldives Foreign Ministry issued a statement clarifying that these remarks were personal opinions and did not represent the government's views.

During his election campaign, Muizzu pledged to remove Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives, citing concerns over national sovereignty. However, the Indian military has played a significant role in the Maldives by operating two donated helicopters and assisting in rescue operations at sea.

Over the past decade, India and China have been engaged in a struggle for influence in the Maldives, a strategic location on an important trade route. The Maldives recently joined China's "Belt and Road" initiative, which aims to enhance trade and expand China's global influence through infrastructure development.

President Muizzu is set to make his first bilateral visit to China on Sunday night, further emphasizing his inclination towards strengthening ties with the Chinese government.

By suspending the deputy ministers responsible for the derogatory comments, President Muizzu demonstrates his commitment to preserving diplomatic ties with India and maintaining stability in the region. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between the Maldives' alliance with China and its economic reliance on neighboring India.