India-Maldives Diplomatic Row: 3 Ministers Suspended, Easemytrip Stops Bookings, Lakshadweep in Focus
Written by Sanjay Kumar
In a significant diplomatic spat, the Maldives government has suspended three of its ministers – Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha, and Hassan Zihan – over derogatory remarks made against India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The comments came in response to PM Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep, sparking a social media uproar.
Incident Overview:
Last week, a social media row unfolded when Mariyam Shiuna, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, posted derogatory remarks and called PM Modi a ‘clown’ and a ‘puppet of Israel.’ The Maldivian Foreign Ministry, distancing itself from the comments, clarified that such opinions were personal and did not reflect the government’s stance.
Top 10 Updates on India-Maldives Diplomatic Row:
EaseMyTrip Suspends Bookings:
EaseyTrip CEO Nishant Pitti announced the suspension of all flight bookings to the Maldives. The company has also joined the ‘Visit Lakshadweep’ campaign, promoting domestic destinations and offering special deals.
Thousands of Bookings Cancelled:
Over 8,000 hotel bookings and 2,500 flight tickets have been canceled by Indian tourists, creating a significant impact on the Maldivian tourism sector.
Tour Operators Predict Decline:
Rajiv Mehra, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, predicts a decline in Maldives travel within the next 20-25 days, citing a sudden decrease in inquiries and bookings.
Social Media Boycott Trends:
The hashtag ‘BoycottMaldives’ gains momentum on social media, with reports suggesting canceled holiday plans and a potential economic impact on the Maldives heavily reliant on tourism.
Focus on Indian Islands as Alternatives:
#ExploreIndianIslands trends as social media users advocate exploring Indian islands like Lakshadweep as alternatives to the Maldives.
Celebrities Join Online Campaign:
Bollywood actors John Abraham and Randeep Hooda promote Indian islands, praising their beauty and encouraging domestic tourism.
Akshay Kumar Condemns Remarks:
Akshay Kumar condemns ‘hateful, racist’ remarks, urging support for Indian islands and domestic 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
Salman Khan Praises PM Modi:
Salman Khan commends PM Modi for his Lakshadweep visit, appreciating the beauty of Indian destinations.
It is so cool to see our Hon PM Narendrabhai Modi at the beautiful clean n stunning beaches of Lakshadweep, and the best part is that yeh hamare India mein hain.
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) January 7, 2024
Maldives Government Distances Itself:
The Maldivian government distances itself from the remarks, emphasizing they are personal opinions and do not represent the government’s views.
Former Maldivian Leaders Condemn Remarks:
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and other leaders criticize the ‘hateful’ language, reaffirming the longstanding friendship between India and the Maldives.
The fallout from the diplomatic row is evident in economic repercussions, social media trends, and prominent figures expressing their opinions. The situation remains fluid as stakeholders navigate the aftermath of the controversial remarks.
