India-Maldives Diplomatic Quandary through Lakshadweep Tourism

Recently, a seemingly innocuous promotion of tourism in India’s Lakshadweep islands by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ignited a social media feud involving Maldivian politicians, government officials, and Indian social media users. The controversy stems from offensive and derogatory comments made by some Maldivian figures in response to PM Modi’s posts, sparking a broader discussion on the Maldives government’s stance on India. The incident highlights the complex dynamics between the two nations and the impact of social media on diplomatic relations.

Following PM Modi’s post praising the beauty of Lakshadweep, some Maldivian social media users, including Deputy Minister Mariyam Shiuna, responded with offensive remarks, comparing India to cow dung and calling PM Modi a puppet of Israel. The situation escalated as more officials and supporters joined in, drawing comparisons between Maldives and Lakshadweep and making derogatory remarks against India and Indians.

The issue gained momentum with sensational headlines in Maldivian news outlets, alleging that India initiated a campaign against Maldives’ tourism. This prompted more social media users to join the fray, sparking a virtual war of words between Maldivian and Indian netizens. Lakshadweep

The root of the problem seems to lie in longstanding anti-India sentiments in the Maldives, with the ‘India Out’ campaign gaining traction in 2020 and continuing through 2021. The Maldives government, under President Mohamed Muizzu, has further fueled tensions by actively participating in this rhetoric. The government’s efforts to distance itself from India, including the withdrawal of Indian soldiers, and a planned state visit to China, indicate a shift in diplomatic alliances.

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The recent incident has also revealed a lack of diplomatic finesse among some officials in the Muizzu government, who resorted to offensive language and rhetoric on social media. The fallout prompted criticism from various quarters in the Maldives, including opposition politicians and former President Mohamed Nasheed, who emphasized the need for a more respectful approach to diplomatic relations.

Despite the uproar, it is unlikely that the actions of a few individuals will significantly impact broader bilateral relations between India and the Maldives. The incident has, however, underscored the importance of responsible and respectful communication in the age of social media. The Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs has distanced itself from the derogatory remarks, emphasizing that they are personal opinions and not reflective of the government’s views.

As the situation unfolds, the impact on tourism and people-to-people relations between the two countries remains to be seen. The episode has also prompted Indian celebrities, including actor Akshay Kumar, to initiate a ‘Visit Lakshadweep‘ campaign, urging support for domestic tourism. In the broader context, the incident highlights the challenges of managing international relations in a hyper-connected world, where social media can quickly amplify sentiments and provoke diplomatic tensions.