Maldives faced a diplomatic stir after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep, where he engaged in snorkeling and praised the beauty of the islands. Despite the positive intentions behind his visit, some senior Maldivian officials took offense, accusing PM Modi of attempting to divert Indian tourists from the Maldives.
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The criticism escalated when Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts Mariyam Shiuna made derogatory remarks about PM Modi, labeling him a “clown” and a “puppet of Israel.”
Her negative comments triggered the “Boycott Maldives” movement on Indian social media.
Notable figures like Akshay Kumar and Kangana Ranaut, along with cricketers, supported the boycott. Former Indian fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad, criticizing Shiuna’s anti-India stance, emphasized the significant contribution of Indian tourists, constituting over 15% of the Maldives’ economy. Prasad advocated the development of India’s unexplored coastal towns into tourist destinations.
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The incident strained the historically strong cultural and tourism ties between India and the Maldives.
Despite India expressing concerns over the situation, the Maldivian government distanced itself from Shiuna’s remarks and suspended three ministers, including Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, for their disparaging statements against PM Modi and India.