Racist statements made by Maldivian politicians Zahid Rameez and Mariyam Shiuna attacking Indians and insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting Lakshadweep as a tourism destination have sparked worldwide outrage. #BoycottMaldives began trending on social media, and countless Indians, including celebrities, claimed to have canceled planned vacations to the island country.
In response to Maldivian officials’ anti-India remarks, some people submitted photographs of the scenic Lakshadweep islands, and celebrities encouraged Indian tourism.
Where exactly did the controversy start?
After photos of Prime Minister Modi’s visit and snorkeling in Lakshadweep went viral, some individuals on social media compared the island to the Maldives, a prominent tourist destination famed for its stunning beaches. In recent days, Lakshadweep has also been the top googled tourist destination.
In one of the tweets, Rameez, a member of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), tweeted an India Today piece on the importance of PM Modi’s Lakshadweep tour and accused India of “copying a small economy like Sri Lanka” to generate money.
“It’s very sad that a big country like India is trying to make money by copying a small economy like Sri Lanka,” the Maldivian MP said on X.
On January 5, Rameez wrote another contentious tweet, claiming that PM Modi’s decision was a “big setback” for the Maldives and that it “will boost” tourism in Lakshadweep.
Following the controversy, Rameez reposted another tweet that read,”While you’re at it, do remember how it all started. All of the tweets were posted after this disrespectful and unnecessary provocation. This government led by President @MMuizzu is nobody’s puppet, be it China, India, or any other country.”
Mariyam Shiuna, another minister, too made harsh statements against PM Modi, calling him a “clown” and a “puppet” in now-deleted postings on X. Following outcry on the microblogging service, the tweets were removed.
Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed later blasted the country’s officials’ disparaging statements on PM Modi. He called the rhetoric used by Minister Mariyam Shiuna “appalling,” and he described India as a “key ally” for security and development of the island nation.
Support from Indian celebrities
Bollywood star John Abraham went to X and suggested that people visit the Lakshadweep islands. “With amazing Indian hospitality, the idea of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” and a vast marine life to explore.” “The place to go is Lakshwadeep,” he wrote.
Actor Akshay Kumar urged citizens to promote tourism in the country, wrote “Came across comments from prominent public figures from the Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians.” “I’m surprised they’re doing this to a country that sends them the most tourists.”
Cricket star Sachin Tendulkar did not mention the Maldives, but he did join an internet campaign to promote Indian beaches and tourism destinations.
Sonam Mahajan, a social media influencer, also urged Indians to cancel their travels to the Maldives in light of recent statements by a Maldivian politician.
Reply from Maldives’s Government
The Maldivian government today suspended ministers whose social media posts criticizing India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi sparked a massive backlash, with several Indians claiming to have canceled their planned trip to the nation of over a hundred islands dotted with luxury resorts. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today stated on the stand of the Government of India in relation to some posts on social media that are insulting to neighboring India,” it stated in a statement.
“Those who made such social media posts while in government positions have now been suspended from their jobs,” the statement added, without naming individuals who were suspended. Ministers Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha, and Hassan Zihan have been suspended, according to the local media.
