Maldives

1. Social media clash between India and Maldives sparked from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep.
2. Modi’s visit focused on promoting tourism and development in the Indian island territory.
3. The clash led to calls for a boycott of Maldives’ tourism by Indian celebrities and influencers.

Malé, Jan 07: The recent social media clash between India and the Maldives originated from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep. Modi’s visit aimed to promote tourism and development in the Indian island territory. During the visit, images of Modi snorkelling in the pristine waters of Lakshadweep became viral on platforms like X.

Maldivian Minister Mariyam Shiuna’s Criticism

However, the positive reception of Modi’s visit took a turn when Maldives minister Mariyam Shiuna posted derogatory comments about Modi’s Lakshadweep visit on X. Shiuna’s comments were later deleted, but they sparked a controversy.

Racist and Insulting Comments

Not only did Shiuna criticize Modi, but some Maldivian netizens also posted racist and insulting comments against Indians. This led to growing tensions between Indian and Maldivian social media users.

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Indian Celebrities and Influencers Respond

In response to the anti-India comments, several Indian celebrities and social media influencers have actively joined an online campaign calling for a boycott of the Maldives.

Aakash Chopra’s Call for Wise Choices

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed his stance on X, stating, “‘India Out’ was a part of the manifesto. Maldives voted for it. Now, it’s up to us, Indians, to choose wisely. I know that my family will. Jai Hind.”

Sonam Mahajan’s Appeal for Cancelled Trips

Social media influencer Sonam Mahajan urged Indians to cancel their travel plans to the Maldives. She highlighted the comments made by Maldivian ministers who seemingly want Indians out, encouraging fellow citizens to choose destinations that appreciate their presence, such as Lakshadweep.

Promotion of Lakshadweep over Maldives

Social media influencer Baba Banaras posted a captivating picture of the sunrise in Lakshadweep to counter the Maldivian campaign. The caption read, “Sunrise in #Lakshadweep India. You won’t see this in Maldives,” emphasizing the beauty of Indian destinations.

Growing Support for the Boycott

The online campaign to boycott the Maldives is gaining momentum as more Indian celebrities and influencers lend their voices. The incident underscores the interconnectedness of social media, tourism, and diplomatic relations in the digital age. As tensions persist, how the campaign will impact tourism and diplomatic ties between the two nations remains to be seen.