Grok AI sparks row after mistranslating PM Modi’s Maldives post

A controversy erupted after X’s AI assistant Grok wrongly translated a goodwill message by PM Narendra Modi into a politically sensitive statement about “anti-India campaigns” in the Maldives, raising concerns over AI reliability in diplomatic contexts.

A fresh controversy has emerged on social media platform X after its AI assistant, Grok, allegedly produced an inaccurate and inflammatory “translation” of a post by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, turning a routine diplomatic message into a politically sensitive narrative involving the Maldives.

The issue surfaced when users compared PM Modi’s original message — written in Dhivehi to thank Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu for Republic Day wishes — with the version displayed by Grok. The AI-generated output differed sharply in tone, content, and intent, prompting alarm among observers.

What PM Modi Actually Said

In his original post, the Prime Minister conveyed warm greetings and reaffirmed bilateral cooperation. The message focused on strengthening ties and wished prosperity and happiness for the people of the Maldives. It was a standard diplomatic exchange underscoring goodwill and collaboration between the two neighbouring nations.

What Grok Displayed

Grok’s version, however, introduced elements that were neither present nor implied in the original text. The AI-generated “translation” reportedly referred to India’s “Independence Day” instead of Republic Day and included claims about the Maldivian government being linked to “anti-India campaigns.” It also suggested that Maldivian authorities had participated in protests — a politically charged assertion absent from PM Modi’s post.

The insertion of such content has drawn attention because of the delicate nature of India–Maldives relations, which have experienced phases of strain in recent years. Even though the output originated from an AI tool and not an official source, screenshots circulated widely, raising fears about misinformation and its possible diplomatic fallout.

Concerns Over AI Use

Users and analysts noted that AI assistants embedded within major social media platforms can blur the line between automated interpretation and verified content. Without prominent disclaimers, many readers may assume the translation accurately reflects the author’s words, amplifying the risk of misunderstanding.

This is not the first time Grok has faced scrutiny in India. Authorities had earlier expressed concern over AI-generated visuals and posts deemed misleading or inappropriate. The latest episode is likely to intensify calls for tighter oversight of generative AI tools used in public information spaces.

Broader Implications

Experts say the incident underscores the limitations of generative AI in handling politically sensitive material. Translation in diplomatic contexts demands precision, cultural nuance, and factual accuracy — areas where AI systems can still falter.

While many AI features are labelled experimental, the speed at which content spreads online means even a single flawed output can escalate into a controversy. Observers argue that stronger guardrails, clearer labelling, and human oversight are essential, particularly when AI tools interpret messages related to geopolitics.

The episode highlights a growing reality: errors in AI-generated content are no longer just technical glitches — they can carry diplomatic, political, and reputational consequences.