Toxic Translation of PM Modi’s Post by Grok AI Could Have Strained India-Maldives Ties

AI chatbot Grok, developed by Elon Musk, recently made a serious translation error that could have sparked diplomatic tension between India and the Maldives. The incident involved Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s social media post, in which he thanked Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu for his greetings on India’s 77th Republic Day and wished for continued cooperation and prosperity between the two nations.

What PM Modi’s Original Post Said
PM Modi had written:

“I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives on India’s 77th Republic Day. I look forward to continued cooperation between our peoples and hope for a prosperous and bright future for all the people of Maldives.”

This message was intended purely as a gesture of goodwill and friendship.

Grok AI’s Misguided Translation
When a user translated PM Modi’s post using Grok, the AI produced a completely distorted version, adding politically sensitive claims that were not in the original message. Grok’s translation read:

“Sukuriya, Raythun Majlis. India’s 77th Independence Day was celebrated in the Maldives, and the Maldivian government participated. This Sukuriya government also took part in anti-India campaigns, leading protests against India.”

The AI-generated text falsely suggested that the Maldivian government had participated in anti-India campaigns, turning a goodwill message into a politically charged statement.

Implications for India-Maldives Relations
India and the Maldives have had tense diplomatic moments in recent times. A misinterpreted or inflammatory translation like this could have aggravated the situation. Screenshots of Grok’s translation circulated widely on social media, raising concerns about misinformation and AI reliability.

AI and Trust Issues
This is not the first time Grok has faced criticism in India. The Indian government had earlier expressed concerns about AI-generated content, warning that controversial images or texts could be misleading and harmful. This translation error highlights the risks of over-reliance on AI for sensitive communication, particularly in diplomatic contexts.

Takeaway
While AI translation tools offer convenience, this incident demonstrates the importance of human verification, especially for politically or diplomatically sensitive messages. One wrong translation can easily distort intent and spark unnecessary tensions.