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Tourism, especially from India, plays a big role in the Maldives’ $6 billion economy. But recently, there’s been tension between India and the Maldives. This started when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep, an island group in the Arabian Sea. After his visit, a Maldivian official called him a “clown”, which upset many people in India.
Notably, 'Boycott Maldives' started trending on social media after a Maldives minister and some citizens posted anti-India comments on X.
Why boycott Maldives is trending?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Lakshadweep and inaugurated some developmental projects. He praised the beauty of Lakshadweep and wrote on his X account, "Recently, I had the opportunity to be among the people of Lakshadweep. I am still in awe of the stunning beauty of its islands and the incredible warmth of its people. I had the opportunity to interact with people in Agatti, Bangaram and Kavaratti. I thank the people of the islands for their hospitality. Here are some glimpses, including aerial glimpses from Lakshadweep."
The relationship between India and the Maldives has been difficult since the Maldives’ new president, Mohamed Muizzu, asked India to remove its military personnel from the Maldives. Right now, about 75 Indian military personnel are in the Maldives. They’re there to operate Indian defense equipment like Dornier aircraft and helicopters. These are important for helping with humanitarian and disaster relief operations on many Maldivian islands.
The Maldives has said that Indian planes and helicopters are only used for rescue and relief operations, often saving tourists stranded on uninhabited islands. But President Muizzu has repeatedly asked India to remove its forces, which has strained the relationship between the two countries.
Because of this, some Indians on social media have been encouraging others to boycott the Maldives and visit Lakshadweep instead. They say Lakshadweep is just as beautiful as the Maldives and that Indians should vacation there. They believe this would be a way for India to show the Maldives that it doesn’t appreciate not being recognized for its contributions to the Maldives’ democracy.
Maldivian minister criticizes Modi online
However, several Maldvians and ministers of the country targeted Modi. "What a clown. The puppet of Israel Mr Narendra diver with a life jacket #VisitMaldives," Mariyam Shiuna, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts wrote on Modi's post in a now deleted comment on X.
Actor Akshay Kumar urged people of the country to promote the nation's tourism and wrote, "Came across comments from prominent public figures from the 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 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," he said.
A user wrote, “Was planning to go to Maldives for my birthday which falls on 2nd of February. Had almost finalised the deal with my travel agent, But immediately cancelled it after seeing this tweet of the deputy minister of the Maldives. #boycottmaldives.”
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