Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Lakshadweep archipelago, amid controversy over a Maldives minister’s tweet, many Indians have claimed on social media that they have canceled their previously planned holidays to the island country. Have given.
Let us tell you that this controversy has arisen due to the tweet of a Maldivian minister. This tweet targets India and says that India faces challenges in competing with Maldives in beach tourism.
After this controversy, many people have also posted screenshots of their canceled air travel and hotel bookings on social media. Apart from this, ‘#BoycottMaldives’ is also one of the top trends on Facebook in India.
Why did relations between Maldives and India turn sour?
Diplomatic tensions between India and Maldives have escalated in recent months. Especially after President Mohammad Muizzu took office in November last year. The new president has signaled closer ties with China with a change in foreign policy and has removed the “India first” approach of the previous government.
Let us tell you that after the formation of the new government in Maldives, the President of the island country was the first to visit India. But this time President Mohammad Muizzu will first visit China. Muizzu’s upcoming visit to China from January 8 to 12 has further increased the controversy.
Why is Maldives important for India?
Maldives, strategically located in the Indian Ocean, remains a key country in India’s regional initiatives such as ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’.
Many Bollywood actors also tweeted amid Maldives issue
Many other actors including Bollywood actor John Abraham and Shraddha Kapoor have tweeted on social media amid the Maldives issue and praised the beauty of Lakshadweep.
Apart from this, many people have posted on social media saying that what is the need to go to Maldives when we have our own beautiful Lakshadweep.
Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists.
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 7, 2024
We are good to our neighbors but
why should we tolerate such… pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN
Modi had recently gone to Lakshadweep
Let us tell you that PM Modi had recently gone to Lakshadweep and he had also posted some pictures of his visit. Many people have described PM Modi’s visit as a big blow to Maldives. In fact, every year thousands of Indians go to Maldives for holidays and the economy of Maldives depends more on tourism.
For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024
During my stay, I also tried snorkelling – what an exhilarating experience it was! pic.twitter.com/rikUTGlFN7
