A tweet by a Maldives minister on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Lakshadweep triggered a row on social media as he accused India of targeting Maldives. India faces significant challenges in competing with the Maldives in beach tourism, Mariyam Shiuna said after which former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed denounced the comments and hailed India as a “key ally” of the security and prosperity of the archipelago nation.

The ministers who have been suspended are: Maryam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef and Mahzoom Majid.

"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," Mohamed Nasheed said.

A tweet by a Maldives minister on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Lakshadweep triggered a row on social media as he accused India of targeting Maldives. India faces significant challenges in competing with the Maldives in beach tourism, Mariyam Shiuna said after which former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed denounced the comments and hailed India as a “key ally” of the security and prosperity of the archipelago nation.

"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," Mohamed Nasheed said.

(With inputs from agencies)