Bollywood celebrities rally support for domestic tourism amid Lakshadweep-Maldives row

Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, among others, rallied support for domestic tourism. (Image: @narendramodi/X)

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep, a tweet by Maldives minister sparked a row on social media.

PM Modi shared his “exhilarating experience” while snorkelling in the islands of Arabian sea last week and shared several pictures of his adventure. In response to the same, 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.

The remarks made by Majid kicked off a heated controversy on X, with many Indians cancelling their trip to Maldives. #BoycottMaldives soon started trending on the microblogging site.

Amid this, several Bollywood celebrities, including Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan and John Abraham, appealed people to explore Indian islands like Lakshadweep and Sindhudurg. They collectively rallied support for domestic tourism through their tweets.

Responding to Majid’s remarks, Akshay Kumar wrote, “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 unprovoked hate? I've visited the Maldives many times and always praised it, but dignity first. Let us decide to #ExploreIndianIslands and support our own 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

“Lakshadweep is the place to go,” wrote John Abraham on X.

With the amazing Indian hospitality, the idea of “Atithi Devo Bhava” and a vast marine life to explore. Lakshwadeep is the place to go.#exploreindianislands pic.twitter.com/CA1d9r0QZ5

— John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) January 7, 2024

"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 wrote in response.

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

Sachin Tendulkar wrote about his time in Sindhudurg. "250+ days since we rang in my 50th birthday in Sindhudurg! India is blessed with beautiful coastlines and pristine islands. With our “Atithi Devo Bhava” philosophy, we have so much to explore, so many memories waiting to be created."

250+ days since we rang in my 50th birthday in Sindhudurg!

The coastal town offered everything we wanted, and more. Gorgeous locations combined with wonderful hospitality left us with a treasure trove of memories.

India is blessed with beautiful coastlines and pristine… pic.twitter.com/DUCM0NmNCz

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 7, 2024

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

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