Indian Prime Minister Encourages Domestic Travel... Why Are Maldivian Officials Receiving Negative Comments Like "Clown, Terrorist"?

Indian Prime Minister Modi Encourages Travel to Lakshadweep
Controversy Over 3 Maldivian Officials Posting 'Malicious Comments'
'Maldives Boycott' Spreads Despite Disciplinary Action

The relationship between India and the Maldives is deteriorating. On the 9th (local time), CNN and others reported, "On the 4th, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a photo of himself snorkeling at the Lakshadweep beach north of the Maldives on X (formerly Twitter), which sparked controversy as some Maldivian officials left insulting comments." Among Indians, a 'Boycott Maldives' sentiment quickly formed, and even travel sites have stopped booking flights to the Maldives.

Indian Prime Minister Modi enjoying the scenery of Lakshadweep beach. [Image source=Screenshot of Prime Minister Modi's X]

Prime Minister Modi posted the photo to promote Lakshadweep, which is not well known as a tourist destination, writing, "Over the past nine years, we have worked hard for the development of Lakshadweep, and our determination has grown stronger. I am in awe of the beauty of the Lakshadweep islands and the warmth of its people. The scenery is not only beautiful, but the tranquility of Lakshadweep is also captivating."

However, three Maldivian officials reportedly left comments calling Modi a "clown," "terrorist," and "puppet of Israel." As the controversy grew, the Maldivian government immediately suspended these officials.

This incident occurred when Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who won the election last October, made his first visit to China as president. President Muizzu is pro-China and has declared an end to the "India First" policy upheld by his predecessor. Traditionally, the Maldives had a friendly relationship with India, but as it shifts toward a pro-China stance, the bilateral relationship is undergoing changes, leading to such tensions.

In response, Indians are running a hashtag campaign on social media with '#BoycottMaldives,' posting photos certifying the cancellation of their trips to the Maldives. Bollywood actors, cricket players, and other celebrities have posted '#ChaloLakshadweep' to encourage travel to Lakshadweep instead.

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar condemned the remarks by Maldivian officials as "hateful and racist," stating, "Why should we tolerate such baseless hatred? I have visited the Maldives many times and have always praised it, but dignity comes first. Let's support domestic tourism."

Concerns are also rising about the economic impact on the Maldivian tourism industry. Indian travel site EasyMyTrip stopped booking flights to the Maldives on the 8th. Last year, 209,000 Indians visited the Maldives, accounting for the largest share (11%).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.