Mariya Didi Hails Narendra Modi, Ignoring BJP's Record of Hate Crimes Against Muslims

Maldives' former Minister of Defence, Mariya Ahmed Didi, has called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the “best and most exemplary political leader,” during a summit hosted by India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—a party widely criticized for enabling hate crimes and violence against Muslims in India.

Speaking at the BJP summit, Mariya praised Modi’s leadership, stating he has "brought India to the forefront globally" and lauded his "Neighborhood First Policy." When asked who she considers the best political leader, Mariya promptly named Modi as her most preferred.

Mariya also said that for the Maldives, strengthening ties with India makes more sense than with China, given the shared geography and longstanding cultural ties. “India is our closest neighbor, and there shouldn’t be any disagreements with a neighbor,” she said, describing India as the Maldives’ "911 emergency call center"—a country that comes to aid when needed.

She went further to discredit the 'India Out' campaign—a nationwide call during President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s term to remove Indian military personnel from the Maldives—by suggesting that Maldivians were misled by social media and portrayed as “easily manipulated” by false narratives.

However, while Mariya publicly endorsed Modi, her statements glossed over the BJP’s highly controversial and often violent track record. Under Modi’s leadership, India has witnessed a sharp rise in hate crimes against Muslims, with BJP leaders and supporters openly inciting violence and delivering anti-Muslim hate speeches.

International human rights organizations and watchdogs have repeatedly condemned the Indian government for turning a blind eye - or worse, encouraging - a climate of religious intolerance. Reports of mob lynchings, discriminatory laws, and hate campaigns have escalated since Modi and the BJP came to power.

Mariya’s remarks have already sparked debate at home and abroad, with many criticizing her for ignoring the plight of millions of Indian Muslims while praising a regime accused of fueling Islamophobia.