The Maldives is a popular tourist destination that is well-known for its stunning islands, crystal-clear oceans, and abundant marine life. It goes without saying that India is important to the Maldives’ tourism industry. Due to its close proximity, shared cultural heritage, and excellent travel links, the Maldives has become the top vacation destination for Indians, with a significant percentage of its visitors being Indians.
Beyond the number of tourists, India supports the Maldives’ tourism sector with development initiatives that improve infrastructure, promote eco-friendly travel, and advance general socioeconomic development. In addition to enhancing the Maldives’ appeal as a travel destination, this cooperative endeavor between the two countries fortifies bilateral ties and illustrates win-win cooperation.
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Why is ‘Boycott Maldives’ trending in India?
Ever since the Maldives has gone through governmental change and Mohamed Muizzu (known for being pro-China) became the Maldives’ president, India’s relationship with the archipelago country has continuously deteriorated. However, this tension reached its zenith recently when Indian social media feeds were littered with the “Boycott Maldives” trend. It all started when a Maldivian politician tweeted controversial remarks mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi while taking a dig at his visit to the Lakshadweep Islands.
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
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, there has been significant agitation in the Maldives. However, this frustration took an ugly turn when senior ministers were seen making disparaging comments about the Indian Prime Minister. Similarly, in her comments on PM Modi’s images, Mariyam Shiuna, the Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, called him a “clown” and a “puppet of Israel.”
Needless to say, her tweet went viral and became a hot topic of discussion on social media platforms in India. Despite the fact that she deleted her post, it triggered not only commoners but also celebrities. Many celebrities, including John Abraham and Sachin Tendulkar, took it as an opportunity to promote Lakshwadeep’s beauty. However, Akshay Kumar’s reaction has gained a lot of attention because he directly condemns the Maldivian leader.
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Apart from that Zahid Rameez, a Council member of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) took to Twitter to mock Indians.
And few others joined too
Akshay Kumar raises concerns over Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians
On January 7, actor Akshay Kumar responded to the hate speech campaign against PM Modi and India spearheaded by the Maldivian troll army. On his X account (formerly known as Twitter), he wrote,
“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.”
Like many other celebrities, he also promoted India’s own tourism places, saying,
“We are good to our neighbors 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.”
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
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Meanwhile, both the Indian and Maldivian sides reacted to this whole controversy. While India expressed concerns over it, the Maldives government distances itself from Mariyam Shiuna’s comments. Not only this but also the Maldives government labeled Mariyam’s comments as her personal thoughts. Amid this, many Indians also started cancelling their Maldives trips which intensifies the whole matter on other label.
Only time will tell what will happen next.
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