Controversial remarks spark calls to #BoycottMaldives | Fusion - WeRIndia

Diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives have surged following a series of racist posts by Maldivian politicians in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tweets about his visit to Lakshadweep.

The controversy unfolded as PM Modi shared images from his Lakshadweep visit, leading to disparaging comments from Maldivian politicians.

These include Zahid Rameez, a council member of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

Expressing displeasure over the attention garnered by Lakshadweep, Rameez belittled PM Modi’s visit, asserting that India could never compete with the Maldives in terms of tourism.

Despite social media condemnation, Rameez has refused to issue an apology, further intensifying the situation.

Maldivian minister Mariyam Shiuna also used harsh language against PM Modi but later removed her post.

The controversial remarks by Rameez and Shiuna sparked widespread criticism, prompting the Maldives government, led by pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu, to distance itself from the inflammatory statements.

In an effort to mitigate diplomatic fallout, three ministers were suspended, emphasizing the need for responsible freedom of expression and avoiding damage to international relations.

As a consequence of the anti-India comments, Indian celebrities and social media influencers, including actor Akshay Kumar and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, have called for a boycott of the Maldives and its tourist attractions.

The hashtag #BoycottMaldives trended on social media, leading to cancellations of planned trips to the Maldives by several Indian citizens.

Prominent figures advocated exploring Lakshadweep as an alternative destination.

Legal professional Ashwini Dubey, appealing on social media stated that Lakshadweep is more beautiful and cleaner than the Maldives. He asked users to say no to #Maldives.

In the wake of these events, the controversy has not only strained diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives but has also triggered a significant public response.

Many Indians heeding the call to redirect their travel plans towards domestic destinations.

Image Credit: Rahuljoshi10, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MALDIVES.jpg