Indian tourists cancel Maldives trips amid diplomatic tensions

Nowadays Maldives are one of the most famous vacation spots among netizens. Ask anyone about their dream destinations, 70% out of them will name Maldives! But recently Indian citizens are cancelling their trips! Why? The controversy has been stemming from a tweet that a Maldives minister posted. He accused India of targeting the nation and also asserted that India faces huge challenges when it comes to competing with the Maldives in the matter of beach tourism. Indian citizens got offended by this comment! Many people are cancelling their tour plans regarding this matter!

The Maldives government has Suspended 3 Ministers for Derogatory Tweets on the Indian Prime Minister!!

Recently Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Lakshadweep archipelago. Indian supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party had said something after Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep over the New Year weekend. They said that Indian tourists can be considered replacing Maldives with other Indian tourist destinations.

Then the “war” began! That one MP posted about India and The PM. Several members of the ruling Maldives government mainly three MPs had posted reposted and criticised the behaviour of Indians. However the Maldives government has claimed that they had “suspended” those three deputy ministers who made this comment socially.

But this didn’t stop there. Things got more messed up when Bollywood film stars and many popular celebrities started posting tweets that they would not visit the Indian Ocean island nation due to those insulting posts by Maldivian ministers! 

What appalling language by Maldives Government official @shiuna_m towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for Maldives’ security and prosperity. @MMuizzu gov must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect gov policy.

— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) January 7, 2024

“The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives.” said the statement which was issued by the foreign ministry.

But the Maldives government took charge as soon as possible. “Our High Commission in the Maldives had strongly raised and expressed concerns about the comments made regarding PM by certain ministers in the Maldives government with the Foreign Office today,” a source said.