After the uncalled for and unacceptable remarks by it’s Minister’s, Maldives is facing the heat from one of its biggest sources of tourism income. The officials mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sparking calls to shun the sun-kissed getaway for domestic beaches instead. The controversy erupted after Modi posted images of himself snorkelling and walking along a beach in Lakshadweep. His effusive praise of the beautiful scenery of the lesser-known archipelago is seen as an offensive to draw people there for vacation rather than Maldives.
For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list.
During my stay, I also tried snorkelling – what an exhilarating experience it was! pic.twitter.com/rikUTGlFN7
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024
Responding to his pictures, the three Maldives officials, Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, described Modi as a “clown,” “terrorist” and a “puppet of Israel.” Realizing the debacle, the Maldives government was quickly caught in a damage control exercise by distancing itself from the comments and suspending the three officials immediately. In a statement, the Maldives government said it was aware of “derogatory” comments made on social media but stressed the “opinions are personal” and do not represent its views. “The government believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners,” it said. In a post on X, Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer called the officials’ remarks “unacceptable,” adding that the archipelago is committed to “fostering a positive and constructive dialogue with our partners.”
The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) ‘strongly condemned’ the derogatory remarks and stood in support of India. The official statement states, “The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) strongly condemns the derogatory comments made by some Deputy Ministers on social media platforms, directed towards the Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Narendra Modi as well as the people of India.” MATI further stated, “Since then, India has continued to remain one of the top markets for the Maldives. It is our sincere wish that the close relationship between our two nations endures for generations to come and as such, we refrain from actions or speech that may have any negative impact on our good relationship.”
Unfortunately, the incident comes at a sensitive time when Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu was scheduled to a five-day visit to China, his first as President following his election win last October. Muizzu is known for his pro-China stance and pledged to end his predecessor’s “India first” policy in a region where New Delhi and Beijing vie for influence. During the trip, he’s expected to meet Chinese officials and sign “key agreements to improve trade, professional, and socioeconomic development,” according to a government statement.
Maldives relies heavily on tourism and a large slice of that income comes from India. The Indian tourists made more than 209,000 trips to Maldives in 2023, making up 11% of its tourism market, statistics released last week show. Russia contributed about the same amount, and China wasn’t far behind, providing 187,118 visits, or 10% of the total.
But the officials’ remarks angered the Indian holidaymakers, who posted screenshots on social media to show they had cancelled their trips to the island chain under the hashtag #BoycottMaldives.
Prominent personalities from entertainment industry and cricket, too urged fans to turn to local destinations instead, with another hashtag #ChaloLakshadweep – meaning “Let’s go to Lakshadweep,” where Modi visited, gaining traction. Bollywood Superstar Akshay Kumar called the Maldivian officials’ remarks “hateful and racist.” He said, “We are good to our neighbours but why should we tolerate such unprovoked hate? I’ve visited the Maldives many times and always praised it, but dignity first. Let us decide to #ExploreIndianIslands and support our own tourism.” Akshay tweeted on X
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.
We are good to our neighbors but
why should we tolerate such… pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 7, 2024
Indian travel site EaseMyTrip had suspended bookings for flights to Maldives. “In solidarity with our nation, @EaseMyTrip has suspended all Maldives flight bookings,” Nishant Pitti, CEO and co-founder of EaseMyTrip said in a post on X.
The Confederation of All India Traders, one of the biggest trade bodies in the country, also called on members to suspend business with Maldives. “Until the Maldives tender an apology or ensure remedial measures, the trading community in India will refrain from doing business with them,” said Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary-General of the group, which represents thousands of traders and trade associations in India. RPG Enterprises chairman Harsh Goenka emphasised the Maldivian government’s role in maintaining ties with India by suspending ministers.
Goenka in a social media post on X (formerly Twitter) said, “PM visits #Lakshadweep, social media uproar, Indian tourists boycott #Maldives, Maldivian ministers suspended, 5-star hotels and an airport coming up in Lakshadweep. All in lightning speed. This is the way the new India works -it cannot be undermined, it will fight back and hard. He highlighted the projects coming up in Lakshadweep that include 5-star hotels and an airport.
In addition, Ratan Tata too announced opening of two Taj resorts by 2026 in the island. Talks of better Air connectivity are already doing the rounds. Suddenly, Lakshadweep has found itself in the news, hoping to become “the vacation destination”.
The message to the world is loud and clear, don’t take India for granted. For it is self-sufficient to fight back hard.
