“Diplomatic Tensions Emerge Between India and Maldives Over PM Modi’s Lakshadweep Trip: An Overview”
A set of photos featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi gazing thoughtfully at the Arabian Sea amidst the coastal beauty of Lakshadweep has sparked a social media feud between India and the Maldives. This unexpected reaction has led to a subtle diplomatic dispute between the traditionally friendly nations. During his recent visit to promote infrastructure and tourism development on the pristine island, the prime minister likely did not anticipate the strong and unusual backlash from the Maldives.
Last week, a social media controversy erupted when some Maldivian leaders, including a minister, used offensive language against Prime Minister Modi in response to a video he posted on a pristine Lakshadweep beach. Despite the Maldivian government distancing itself from such derogatory remarks, stating they do not support offensive comments against foreign leaders, three government officials were suspended for their role in triggering the dispute on the X social media platform.
On the social media platform X, the Prime Minister highlighted the “remarkable charm” of the union territory and praised “the extraordinary hospitality of its residents.” Furthermore, he recommended travel enthusiasts and adventurers to consider adding Lakshadweep to their must-visit destinations.
The controversy arose when Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, a senior minister in the Muizzu-led government, accused India of deliberately targeting the Maldives. He claimed that India, facing challenges in competing with the Maldives in beach tourism, was attempting to divert tourists to alternate destinations. The dispute began when PM Modi’s viral post about Lakshadweep led to speculation that it could serve as an alternative tourist spot to the Maldives, further fueling tensions. Notably, the official statement from PM Modi did not mention the Maldives or any specific island nation.
Majid eventually removed his tweet, but the repercussions lingered. His comments triggered offensive and disparaging remarks from influential figures in the Maldivian government and notable individuals on social media. These statements were not just directed at Modi but extended to the broader Indian population.
Mariyam Shiuna, the deputy minister of youth empowerment, information, and arts, faced suspension after referring to Narendra Modi as a “clown” and a “puppet of Israel” in a now-deleted social media post. She also allegedly compared India to cow dung. Malsha Sharif, another deputy minister in the same ministry, made similar derogatory comments about India and has also been suspended. A third government official, Hasan Zihan, deputy minister of transport and civil, faced suspension as well. Additionally, a social media user named Zahid Rameez, claiming affiliation with the Progressive Party of Maldives, praised Lakshadweep’s tourism promotion but made offensive comments about India, particularly mentioning a “permanent smell in the rooms.” Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar condemned the derogatory language used against Indians by sharing Rameez’s post.
According to a report by The Indian Express, social media outrage has prompted some Maldivian news websites to publish sensational headlines in Dhivehi, suggesting that India is orchestrating a campaign against Maldives tourism. In response to India’s efforts to promote tourism in Lakshadweep, Maldivian officials and supporters of the ruling coalition launched a #VisitMaldives hashtag to showcase their country’s resorts and scenic locations.
The significance of this situation lies in the fact that the Maldives is a crucial maritime neighbor for India in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It plays a key role in India’s initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Neighbourhood First Policy. Indian tourists contribute significantly to the Maldivian economy, constituting a substantial portion of its GDP. In 2023, Indians were the largest group of tourists, but the recent social media controversy has led to mass cancellations of Indian trips to the Maldives.
Notable Indian personalities, including Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Shraddha Kapoor, have advocated for exploring Indian destinations, condemning the alleged anti-India sentiments. This response on social media has gained momentum with the hashtag ‘Boycott Maldives.’ Indian cine stars and cricketers urged people to support the Indian tourism sector and highlighted the beauty of Lakshadweep.
In reaction to the social media controversy, the Maldivian government suspended three ministers for their derogatory remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government clarified that these remarks were personal and do not represent the official stance. It emphasized the importance of exercising freedom of expression responsibly.
The strained ties between India and the Maldives are attributed to President Mohammed Muizzu’s pro-China stance, as opposed to his predecessor, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who had close ties with India. The anti-India sentiment has been escalating since Muizzu came to power, with previous campaigns like ‘India Out’ in 2020 and social media rants in 2021.
However, not all in the Maldives support the anti-India sentiment, with former President Mohamed Nasheed criticizing the remarks and urging Muizzu’s government to distance itself from such comments.
