In a surprising turn of events, the picturesque allure of the Maldives is facing a sudden dip in popularity among Indian travelers, check out the effect of the trend boycott Maldives
Diplomatic tensions have escalated following controversial remarks by Maldivian Minister Abdulla Mahzoom Majid. The uproar stems from a tweet directly targeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of attempting to divert attention from the Maldives during his recent visit to the Lakshadweep.
What is the effect of boycott Maldives by Indians and why is it trending on Twitter/X
The Maldives government on Sunday suspended three deputy ministers who made alleged derogatory remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media, reported Atoll Times and the ministers are Maryam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef and Mahzoom Majid, according to the Maldives-based online news portal.
Celebrities including Bollywood stars and sports legends on Sunday joined the discussion over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, which was mocked by Maldivian political leaders, leading to a row. Bollywood stars including Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, John Abraham, and Shraddha Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, among others, highlighted Lakshadweep’s beauty in social media posts, with some of them directly mentioning PM Modi’s visit and the Maldivian response.
The fallout from Minister Abdulla Mahzoom Majidโs comments has been swift and severe, particularly on social media platforms where discontent is being fervently expressed. Indians who had been eagerly planning trips to the Maldives are now sharing screenshots of canceled flight bookings and hotel reservations with the hashtag #BoycottMaldives gaining traction.
Never mess with our PM#Maldives #BoycottMaldives pic.twitter.com/1j8uTXz3Eb
— Siaโ (@siappaa_) January 7, 2024
Dr. Falak Joshipura had organized a birthday celebration trip scheduled for February 2 at the Amaya Kuda Rah resort. However, upon encountering Minister Majid’s contentious remarks, Dr. Joshipura swiftly canceled the plans, venting his frustration on social media. His case is not isolated, as several others are following suit, showcasing the tangible impact of political statements on personal decisions.
One such instance involves filmmaker Rushik Rawal who decided to cancel a substantial three-week booking at Palms Retreat, Fulhadhoo, Maldives, valued at Rs 5 lakh, set to commence on February 1, 2024.
Rawal attributed his decision to what he perceived as ‘racism’ from Maldivian ministers and has called for a broader boycott of the Maldives. His tweet adds a new layer to the evolving narrative surrounding this diplomatic fallout.
John Abraham and Shraddha Kapoor like true Indian celebrities are promoting Indian tourism destination Lakshadweep. #ExploreIndianIslands
On the other side, so-called celebrity Alia Bhatt is promoting Maldives tourism. SHAME ๐#BoycottMaldives | #Maldives | #Lakshadweep pic.twitter.com/v5GJgDVQUs
— Radhika Chaudhary (@Radhika8057) January 7, 2024
Even travelers from overseas are not exempt from the ripple effects. A user known as ‘Dash Can Indians’ expressed disappointment, stating, “It makes no sense to spend heavy money for an excursion to a country where they hate our country India.” This sentiment emphasizes the broader impact of political tensions on the Maldives’ appeal as a tourist destination, reaching beyond the Indian subcontinent.
The root cause of this diplomatic tension lies in President Mohamed Muizzu’s strategic shift in the Maldives’ foreign policy. Since assuming office in November 2023, President Muizzu has pledged to remove the small contingent of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. The upcoming state visit to China further underscores the potential recalibration of regional alliances.
President Muizzu’s maneuvers are being closely watched with observers speculating on the broader implications for the Maldives’ geopolitical positioning. The realignment in alliances could have far-reaching consequences as the nation heavily relies on tourism, especially from India.
As Indian travelers cancel their Maldives plans in response to the diplomatic tensions, the tourism industry in the Maldives faces an unexpected challenge.
Thread ๐งต
This Minister of Maldives is a rabid Hindu hater and a racist to the core.!!
Compilation of all her anti Hindu tweets, it'll be easy for you to understand Maldivian mindset.#Maldives #BoycottMaldives pic.twitter.com/QHmjvQE1m4
— GemsOfTelangana (@GemsOfKCR) January 7, 2024
Had a 3 week booking worth โน5 lacs from 1st Feb 2024 at Palms Retreat, Fulhadhoo, Maldives. Cancelled it immediately after their Ministers being racists.
Jai Hind ๐ฎ๐ณ#BoycottMaldives #Maldives #MaldivesKMKB pic.twitter.com/wpfh47mG55
— Rushik Rawal (@RushikRawal) January 6, 2024