India-Maldives Ties Fray Over Minister’s Remarks Against PM Modi

January 10, 2024

A diplomatic furor erupted this week after three Maldivian junior ministers mocked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit promoting local Lakshadweep islands, prompting many Indians to cancel trips and jeopardizing vital bilateral ties.

The Indian government issued a forceful response by summoning the Maldivian ambassador to condemn the “derogatory remarks” while the country suspended the offending officials. But lingering tensions remain.

PM Modi’s Lakshadweep Tourism Push

The controversy began when PM Modi toured India’s Lakshadweep archipelago in January, highlighting its pristine beaches and coral reefs. His social media posts on the undiscovered Indian ocean getaway sparked global interest.

The visuals of Modi walking barefoot on white sand and snorkeling crystal waters framed him as an ambassador for developing Lakshadweep’s tourism potential to support its economy.

The attention garnered, however, provoked the ire of some Maldivian ministers who mocked the posts as India trying to compete with their country’s established upscale island resort industry.

Indians Outraged, Cancel Trips

Many Indians outraged by the perceived insult to PM Modi reacted by pledging to cancel planned holidays to the Maldives this year, instead vowing to visit Lakshadweep to boost domestic tourism.

The boycott jeopardizes the tourism-dependent Maldivian economy, which welcomed nearly 1.8 million visitors in 2022, over half from India. Aviation data shows India-Maldives air traffic shot up 35% last year.

Social media also erupted with criticism of the ministers’ conduct toward India’s leader. Hashtags like #BoycottMaldives and #UnfriendMaldives trended for days.

Attempts to Defuse Backlash

Seeking to contain the vitriol, the Maldivian President’s Office quickly announced the suspension of two implicated Cabinet members pending investigation. The Maldives ambassador in New Delhi also visited officials to smooth tensions.

But India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued an official statement expressing “shock” over the “blatantly disrespectful” remarks that “tarnish this partnership.” Observers feel residual mistrust lingers.

Eroding Bilateral Relations

Despite traditionally close cultural and economic bonds, recently elected Maldivian President Ibrahim Muizzu campaigned on an anti-India nationalist platform last year.

He declined visiting New Delhi first post-inauguration as is customary and instead went to Turkey while also questioning the presence of Indian military advisers.

Muizzu also looks to strengthen ties with China. Combined with the latest flap over Lakshadweep tourism, there are concerns that the India-Maldives relationship is fraying after years of Indian economic support.

Lakshadweep’s Rising Tourism Prospects

But PM Modi may have the last laugh by training global attention on Lakshadweep as an alluring yet underdeveloped beach and diving destination for Indians.

While lacking big resorts and infrastructure compared to the Maldives currently, the islands off Kerala could see major hospitality investment and air connectivity expansion catering to surging domestic demand.

And by offering comparable palm-fringed paradise at lower costs due to proximity, Lakshadweep may soon render the Maldives less critical for Indian globetrotters.

With 7,500 km of coastline dotted by undiscovered island gems, India is realizing its potential as an international beach holiday hub – regardless of souring ties with once-favored tropical getaways abroad.

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