Maldivian politician under fire for disparaging remarks about PM Modi and India; extends birthday wishes to Jaishankar | India News

Maldivian politician Zahid Rameez, currently under scrutiny for making critical comments about India in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s visit to Lakshadweep, extended birthday greetings to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday.
“Wishing a happy birthday to the esteemed Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar! May the year ahead be filled with success and positive diplomatic endeavors,” expressed Zahid Rameez on the X platform (formerly Twitter).

Rameez’s was responding to a post of Jaishankar’s acknowledgment of Prime Minister Modi’s birthday wishes.Modi conveyed, “Birthday wishes to Union Minister @DrSJaishankar Ji. His dedication and contributions in shaping India’s foreign policy have been exemplary. May this year bring more success and good health as he continues to serve our nation with dedication.”

In response, Jaishankar expressed gratitude, stating, “Thank you Pradhan Mantri @narendramodi for your kind birthday wishes. Your vision is a constant inspiration as we work towards our nation’s growth and development.”
The controversy arose when Maldivian politicians, including Rameez, a leader of the Progressive Party of Maldives, and deputy minister Mariyam Shiuna, strongly reacted to social media posts comparing Lakshadweep to the Maldives as a tourist destination after Modi’s recent visit to the islands.