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India (Commonwealth Union)_ Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent beach visit to the remote Indian archipelago of Lakshadweep, a southern Indian island chain in the Laccadive Sea, near the coast of Kerala, has sparked controversy in the neighboring island nation, the Maldives. PM Modi shared a series of photos on social media showcasing his activities, such as snorkeling and relaxing on a pristine white-sand beach. Expressing his admiration for the beauty of Lakshadweep, Modi encouraged adventure enthusiasts to consider the archipelago as a tourist destination.
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PM Modi took to X, formerly Twitter, and shared his exhilarating experience on the island as he explored the remote and pristine archipelago in India, which his government considers to have latent tourism potential. In response, Indians expressed their admiration for the images on social media, with a particular emphasis on Modi’s supporters. PM Modi penned, “I am still in awe of the stunning beauty of its islands and the incredible warmth of its people. For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list”.
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However, his photographs of the beach sparked a storm on the neighboring island of the Maldives. The social media storm ensued as Maldivian politicians and government officials interpreted Modi’s posts as a potential threat to their own tourism industry, for which Indian visitors constitute a significant contribution. Despite Modi’s posts not mentioning the Maldives or any other popular tourist destination, Maldivian ministers reacted strongly, labeling him a “clown,” a “terrorist,” and a “puppet of Israel.” The beach photos triggered a backlash, possibly due to concerns that this Indian tourism campaign could divert visitors from the Maldives.
In response, Indian government officials, Bollywood stars, and cricketers swiftly advocated for promoting Lakshadweep as a local holiday destination, with some tourists even canceling their trips to the Maldives using the hashtag #BoycottMaldives. Amid the escalating tensions, Maldives government officials who made derogatory comments against India were suspended, and the Maldives government distanced itself from their remarks. The incident underscores the delicate nature of India-Maldives relations, especially in the context of geopolitical influences from China and India vying for dominance in the island nation.
Notably, the Maldives faces a dilemma in maintaining a balance between being pro-India or pro-China, given the fluctuating dynamics of its successive governments. While India remains a strategic ally, which maintains military installations on the islands, recent political shifts in the Maldives have strained relations, particularly since the election of President Mohamed Muizzu, who is perceived as pro-Chinese. Accordingly, the diplomatic ties between Male and New Delhi have declined since November, when pro-Chinese Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu was elected on a “India Out” platform that demanded the removal of the personnel, claiming they constituted a threat to the sovereignty of his country.
Tourism is a crucial aspect of the Maldives’ economy, with Indian tourists comprising the largest nationality group, contributing nearly 11% to its tourism market in 2023. A considerable number of them are affluent tourists who adore its opulent shores. Despite political challenges, the Maldives recognizes the importance of its relationship with India, which is evident in its swift actions to denounce derogatory comments and suspend officials. According to experts, the Maldives cannot afford to alienate itself from India, and the expeditious action taken by its government to suspend the officials and condemn their remarks demonstrated how highly it regards relations with New Delhi. Further, indications exist that the Maldives is not eager to further escalate the situation.
From a political standpoint, India was among the first nations to acknowledge the independence of the Maldives and institute diplomatic ties with them. These relationships have remained generally close and friendly over the years. But now, these ties have undergone variations, most notably during regimes in the Maldives that exhibited a pro-China stance, as was the case under former President Abdulla Yameen. Geographically situated in the Indian Ocean near India’s Lakshadweep Islands, the Maldives holds strategic importance for India’s maritime security interests. India has established a coastal radar chain in the Maldives, enhancing surveillance capabilities in the region. The recent incident highlights the intricate balance that the Maldives must maintain between its economic interests, geopolitical alignments, and diplomatic ties with India.
