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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep stirred a social media storm as he shared captivating images of snorkeling and morning walks. The picturesque scenes quickly caught the internet’s attention, prompting many Indian social media users to suggest Lakshadweep as a compelling alternative to the Maldives for tourists.
However, this seemingly innocuous social media post escalated into a significant diplomatic dispute between India and the Maldives. Maldivian government officials criticized India, sparking tensions. Zahid Rameez, a member of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) council, mocked PM Modi’s visit, asserting that India could not rival the Maldives in tourism. Rameez dismissed the idea of competition, stating, “While promoting Lakshadweep is commendable, the belief that they can match our level of service is simply delusional.”
India officially expressed its concerns to the Maldives, leading to a statement from the Maldivian government distancing itself from the remarks. In response to India’s protest, the Maldives Government suspended three officials. The controversy prompted Indian celebrities and social media influencers to join an online campaign calling for a boycott of the Maldives and its tourist spots.
Prime Minister Modi’s efforts to boost tourism in Indian destinations, such as Sikkim, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Jammu and Kashmir, have been consistent. The ongoing conflict stemmed from Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, where he inaugurated development projects and explored the island’s scenic beaches, provoking reactions from some individuals in the Maldives, including government officials.
In response, Indian celebrities, including former cricketer Aakash Chopra and actor Akshay Kumar, supported calls to boycott the Maldives. Chopra emphasized making informed choices, stating, “‘India Out’ was a part of the manifesto. Maldives voted for it.” Akshay Kumar condemned the Maldivian junior minister’s comments, highlighting the importance of dignity and urging support for Indian tourism. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar joined the online campaign to promote Indian beaches and tourist spots without explicitly mentioning the Maldives.
Actor John Abraham used the hashtag #exploreindianislands in a tweet encouraging tourists to visit Lakshadweep. Salman Khan also praised PM Modi’s visit, tweeting, “It is so cool to see our Hon PM Narendrabhai Modi at the beautiful clean and stunning beaches of Lakshadweep, and the best part is that yeh hamare India mein hain (these islands are in India). @narendramodi.”
The diplomatic row between India and the Maldives not only strained bilateral relations but triggered a broader discourse involving celebrities and influencers, highlighting the importance of national dignity and supporting Indian tourism. The repercussions of this dispute are likely to have lasting implications on the political and tourism landscapes of both nations.
In summary, what started as a social media post showcasing the beauty of Lakshadweep escalated into a diplomatic conflict, with celebrities and influencers joining the fray. The call to boycott the Maldives underscores the significance of national pride and the impact of such disputes on political and tourism dynamics in the involved nations.
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