Maldives minister's tweet over PM Modi's recent Lakshadweep visit sparks row

Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region

A tweet by a Maldives minister has sparked a row on social media days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Lakshadweep island.

PM Modi last week went snorkelling and shared his “exhilarating experience” of the islands in the Arabian Sea. The PM posted pictures of his undersea exploration on X and shared his "exhilarating experience" of the sojourn in the islands located in the Arabian Sea.

Maldives minister Abdulla Mahzoom Majid claimed that India is shifting focus from the Maldives by promoting Lakshadweep as another tourist spot, according to a report by News18.com

Majid further said that India faces significant challenges in competing with the Maldives in beach tourism, the report added.

This row comes amid strained ties between India and Maldives following President Mohamed Muizzu’s ascent to power in November 2023.

Shortly after this, in a statement, the Maldivian Foreign Ministry said they were aware of the "derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals”.

"These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives,” it said.

The Maldivian government said it believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, and negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners.

Later,  Former Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid also tweeted that the 'derogatory remarks' made by 2 Deputy Ministers of Maldives Government towards PM  Modi and the people of India in social media is 'reprehensible and odious.'

" I call on the Government to reprimand these officials. Public figures must maintain decorum. India is a time-tested friend and an unwavering ally. They have historically been the first to respond in our time of need. Our close relationship has been bound by mutual respect, history, culture and strong people-to-people relations," he further wrote.

Muizzu is widely seen as a pro-China leader who had promised to ensure the removal of Indian troops and maintain geopolitical neutrality if he is elected to power.

See Pics | PM Modi's snorkelling adventure, morning walks on Lakshadweep beaches

The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and the overall bilateral ties including in areas of defence and security have been on an upward trajectory under the government of Ibrahim Solih.

PM Modi on January 3 inaugurated and laid the foundation for various projects worth Rs 1,150 crore in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.

#BoycottMaldives trends on X

A user on X, formerly known as Twitter, wrote "Boycott Maldives and explore Lakshadweep the hidden gem of India and help India to become World’s 3rd economy!"

Say no to Maldives

Boycott Maldives and explore Lakshadweep the hidden gem of India and help India to become World’s 3rd economy!#BoycottMaldives#Lakshdweeppic.twitter.com/bXTIxF4O0s

— Hemaram Saran (@saran_hemaram) January 7, 2024

Was planning to go to Maldives for my birthday which falls on 2nd of feb. Had almost finalised the deal with my travel agent (adding proofs below)
But immediately cancelled it after seeing this tweet of deputy minister of Maldives. #boycottmaldivespic.twitter.com/hd2R534bjY

— Dr. Falak Joshipura (@fa_luck7) January 6, 2024

(With PTI inputs)