Sangeeta Das
The island nation ministers’ controversial post has deteriorated further the already sour diplomatic relationship between Bharat and the Maldives as Indians have cancelled their planned holidays to the neighbouring country.
Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Lakshadweep archipelago, Maldives ministers courted controversy after they accused Bharat of competing with the Maldives in beach tourism and subsequently targeting the island nation.
Reacting sharply to this, numerous Indians shared screenshots of their cancelled holidays. Apart from this, they launched hashtag BoycottMaldives, which is trending on X.
Meanwhile, in solidarity with Bharat, Indian online travel company EaseMyTrip Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Nishant Pitti wrote on X that it “has suspended all flight bookings to Maldives” and initiated a campaign with hashtag ChaloLakshadweep.
READ The X Post Here:
https://x.com/nishantpitti/status/1744080855100744082?s=20
Previously, founder Prashant Pitti announced to bring “crazy special-offers” to promote this pristine destination visited by PM Modi!
He wrote, “Water and beaches of Lakshadweep are as good as Maldives or Seychelles.”
SEE The X Post Below:
https://x.com/ppitti/status/1742885918640689381?s=20
President Mohamed Muizzu’s Shift in Foreign Policy
President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office last November. Since then he has indicated about the nation’s departure from the previous “India first” approach and a closer relationship with China.
The Maldives is a key player in Bharat’s regional initiatives like SAGAR or Security and Growth for All in the Region and the Neighbourhood First Policy.
The President’s forthcoming tour to China on January 8 for four days has further escalated the row.
This shift in foreign policy is evident in his choice of foreign countries such as Turkey and UAE, ahead of engaging with Bharat.
Maldivian Govt Action
The Maldivian Government suspended three deputy ministers over the controversy after Bharat strongly raised the issue with Male as well as top Opposition leaders of the island nation.
The Youth Ministry’s Deputy Ministers Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, whose names surfaced in multiple Maldivian media outlets, have been suspended over the matter.
Maldives President spokesperson Ibrahim Khaleel confirmed the suspension of “all government officials” from their post effective immediately for their derogatory remarks.
