The bilateral relation between New Delhi and Male has taken a hit since Mohamed Muizzu, who is pro-China, assumed power in the Maldives. He is currently on a 5-day visit to China.
While Muizzu is there in China, many have warned him of China's debt-trap policy, saying Male should know what happened to Sri Lanka which also relied heavily on Beijing for money but ultimately had to pay badly.
Mariyam mocked PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit, which triggered a debate in India and many urged the Indian tourists to visit this place instead of Maldives, which is popular among tourists for its beaches.