Ranveer Singh promotes Indian islands as Lakshadweep-Maldives debate heats up

Ranveer Singh urged Indians to explore domestic islands amid the Maldives-Lakshadweep controversy.

Actor Ranveer Singh is encouraging fellow Indians to explore the diverse landscapes and rich culture of their own country.

"This year let’s make 2024 about exploring India and experiencing our culture. There is so much to see and explore across the beaches and the beauty of our country. Chalo India let’s #exploreindianislands. Chalo bharat dekhe," Singh tweeted referring to Lakshadweep, that has been the hot topic since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the islands.

This year let’s make 2024 about exploring India and experiencing our culture. There is so much to see and explore across the beaches and the beauty of our country

Chalo India let’s #exploreindianislands Chalo bharat dekhe — Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) January 8, 2024

This seemingly innocent call for domestic tourism comes amid a brewing controversy between India and the Maldives.

PM Modi shared pictures from his snorkelling experience in the Arabian Sea during his last week visit to Lakshadweep. Sharing his adventure on social media, PM Modi's snapshots triggered a response from Maldives minister Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, who claimed that India was shifting its focus from the Maldives by promoting Lakshadweep as an alternative tourist spot.

Majid asserted that India faced significant challenges in competing with the Maldives in beach tourism. This statement fueled a heated debate on social media, with the hashtag #BoycottMaldives gaining traction.

Other prominent celebrities including Sachin Tendulkar, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, and John Abraham took to X to rally support for domestic tourism in a shift from several others from Bollywood regularly visiting and promoting Maldives.

Ministers and MPs also promoted Lakshadweep in different posts.

Akshay Kumar, responding to what he called "hateful and racist comments on Indians" from Maldivian public figures, urged Indians to explore Indian islands and support their own tourism.

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.”

John Abraham emphasized the incredible Indian hospitality and the philosophy of "Atithi Devo Bhava" (The guest is God), recommending Lakshadweep as the go-to destination.

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

— John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) January 7, 2024

Salman Khan wrote: "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."

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar shared his memories from Sindhudurg, highlighting India's blessed coastlines and pristine islands.

"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,” he wrote.

Maldives and Lakshadweep remain key topics of discussion on social media, with many promoting domestic tourism despite the former being a top destination for lakhs of Indians last year.