The potential for vibrant tourism development in India's Lakshdweep islands has sparked conversations beyond idyllic beaches and turquoise waters. Some speculate that Prime Minister Modi's focus on Lakshdweep could be perceived as a strategic move against the Maldives, a nation with close ties to China. However, framing this development through a zero-sum geopolitical lens risks overshadowing the immense opportunities our Indian waters have and also overlooks the complexities of international relations.
This past weekend, Indian Prime Minister NarendraModi's tweets on X, which promoted travel to the Lakshadweep islands, ignited a social media feud between Maldivian politicians, government officials, and Indian users.The Prime Minister talked about "the stunning beauty of its islands" in a post that mentioned his visit to the Union Territory earlier this week.
Following PM Modi's post, a number of well-known Maldivian social media users and government figures replied with insulting, xenophobic, racist, and demeaning remarks directed at both the prime minister of India and all Indians in general.
This was done in bad taste and was quickly met with severe backlash from Indians. Many movie stars and Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar appealed to people to avoid Maldives and instead visit Lakshadweep and other Indian islands. The Maldivian government suspended the government officials making derogatory remarks, following the massive backlash. In fact, Maldivian president Muizzu had to issue apology to Indians on behalf of his ministers. Despite that massive 10,500 Hotel bookings and 5,520 flight tickets to Maldives have been cancelled so far by Indians after Maldivian Ministers made abusive statements against PM Modi, India and Hindus. Ease MY Trip co-founder has announced that his company will not any flight to Maldives.
However, question remains why Maldives of all states has turned against India in last few years.In the Maldives, anti-Indian sentiment is nothing new. The 'India Out' movement began as street demonstrations in the Maldives at some point in 2020, and it subsequently used the term together with a relevant hashtag to go viral on social media.
It had grown into a visible and aggressive political campaign by the second half of 2021, driven by opponents of the administration of Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who in office from 2018 to 2023. Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom, the former president, had also publicly supported and encouraged the "India Out" movement. Although the campaign's backers stated that it was launched to express disapproval of what they saw to be the military presence of India in the nation, they had deliberately targeted every facet of the bilateral relationship between India and the Maldives.
Now, think of this. In 2018: India gave $1.4 billion aid to Maldives over its China debt.
Another angle is also there.State religion of the Maldives is IsIam, and doctrine is Sharia.Only Sunni MusIims are allowed to hold citizenship in the country, and citizens may practice only IsIam. Non-MusIim citizens of other nations can only practice their faith in private.Maldives is quickly becoming a hub of radicaIism, as evidenced by having had the highest per capita number of foreign fighters for ISIS among any nation.A few months ago, the US designated 20 Maldivians as facilitators and operatives of ISIS and al-Qa'ida, alongside 29 associated companies, many of which operated in the tourism industry as proxies. They were planning attacks targeting journalists and local authorities.
So,why would anyone in their right mind consider visiting such a country for tourism? Most likely, the money spent by you there will be used in some way for crimes against humanity.
Lakshdweep, a string of coral atolls nestled in the Indian Ocean, boasts pristine natural beauty and a rich cultural tapestry. For decades, its tourism potential remained largely untapped, with visitor restrictions and limited infrastructure. However, recent initiatives by the Indian government, including PM Modi's emphasis on sustainable tourism development, have ignited a flame of hope for the island chain's economic prospects.
The potential benefits of flourishing tourism in Lakshdweep are manifold. Increased tourist influx would generate employment opportunities for local communities, boost infrastructure development, and contribute to the overall economic growth of the islands. Furthermore, responsible tourism practices can foster environmental protection and cultural preservation, ensuring that the islands' charm endures for generations to come. So, visit Indian islands and not such places which are against India.
Uday India Bureau
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