admin Amidst a deepening diplomatic feud between India and the Maldives, social media platforms are witnessing a surge in claims of Indian tourists canceling their planned vacations to the picturesque island nation. The controversy ignited when a Maldivian minister accused India of targeting the Maldives, asserting the nation’s superiority in beach tourism. The hashtag ‘#BoycottMaldives’ has gained momentum on social media, reflecting the escalating tension between the two nations.
Outcry and Divergence in Diplomacy
Former Maldives president, Mohamed Nasheed, condemned the minister’s comments on Prime Minister Modi in a post on X, stating, “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 a clear assurance to India they do not reflect gov policy.” The tweet provoked outrage among many Indians, leading to the sharing of screenshots of purportedly canceled flight and hotel bookings to the Maldives.
While the Indian government has not officially endorsed the ‘#BoycottMaldives’ campaign, numerous Indian citizens are using social media to express their discontent with the Maldives. This controversy sheds light on the delicate state of bilateral relations between India and the Maldives in recent months. Notably, after Prime Minister Modi visited Lakshadweep, Indian celebrities have taken to social media to promote tourism in India with the hashtag #ExploreIndianIslands.
Shifting Alliances and Upcoming State Visit
The diplomatic tension between the two nations has been mounting, particularly since President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November last year. His tenure marked a shift in the Maldives’ foreign policy, signaling a desire for closer ties with China and a departure from the previous “India first” approach. The Maldives, strategically located in the Indian Ocean, has historically played a crucial role in India’s regional initiatives such as ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy.’ However, recent developments have cast a shadow over the once-friendly relations between the two countries.
President Muizzu’s upcoming state visit to China, scheduled for January 8 to 12, is seen as a significant move toward strengthening ties with China and distancing the Maldives from India. The choice of foreign destinations, including visits to Turkey and the UAE before engaging with India, has raised eyebrows and added to the perception of a shift in the Maldives’ foreign policy priorities. The unfolding diplomatic rift raises concerns about the future of bilateral relations and regional cooperation. As tensions continue to simmer, the question remains whether both nations can find a way to address their differences and restore the once-close ties they shared.
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