In a recent turn of events, the relationship between India and the Maldives faces strain following a contentious exchange sparked by a tweet from a Maldivian minister. The controversy has ignited a fervent response from Bollywood celebrities, urging support for domestic tourism while inadvertently causing a social media uproar due to some inadvertent missteps.

Prominent Bollywood figures including Salman Khan, Kangana Ranaut, Akshay Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, and Shraddha Kapoor, among others, took to social media, endorsing the captivating allure of local territories in India. However, Ranveer Singh’s attempt to support Lakshadweep, an Indian territory, backfired when he mistakenly shared an outdated picture of the Maldives. Subsequently, after noticing the error, Singh promptly deleted the tweet and reshared a message advocating domestic travel without accompanying visuals.

Singh’s misstep drew sharp criticism from vigilant fans who pointed out the discrepancy between his promotion of Indian islands and the use of Maldivian imagery. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also faced scrutiny for employing images of the Maldives and Bora Bora islands in his endorsements, triggering further controversy and embarrassment among the public.

This social media saga unfolds amid strained relations between India and the Maldives, stemming from a tweet by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi’s social media post showcased picturesque scenes from Lakshadweep, omitting any mention of the neighboring Maldives. This omission was perceived by some as an intentional effort to divert attention towards Lakshadweep, triggering a sharp reaction from three Maldivian officials who derided Modi in derogatory terms, calling him a “clown,” “terrorist,” and a “puppet of Israel,” as reported by CNN. 

In response to the officials’ remarks, the Maldivian government swiftly distanced itself from their statements, suspending the three deputy ministers from the Ministry of Youth Employment, Information, and Arts. The government clarified that these comments were personal opinions and did not reflect its official stance, emphasizing the need for democratic and responsible expression without fostering animosity or strain in international relations.

However, the timing of this incident is particularly sensitive as Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu embarked on a crucial visit to China, marking his initial trip as President. Known for his pro-China stance and intent to recalibrate the nation’s policy towards India, Muizzu aims to strengthen ties with Beijing, signing pivotal agreements for trade and development during his five-day visit.

Nevertheless, despite the push towards bolstering relations with China, the Maldives cannot afford to alienate its closest neighbor, India. Indian tourists constitute a significant portion of Maldives’ tourism, with over 209,000 visits recorded in 2023, making up 11% of the market share, CNN reports. 

The remarks by Maldivian officials spurred outrage among Indian tourists, leading to cancellations and calls for boycotting the Maldives in favor of domestic destinations. Bollywood personalities like Akshay Kumar condemned the officials’ comments as “hateful and racist,” advocating for supporting Indian tourism instead.

The ramifications of this incident expanded beyond social media, as the Indian travel site EaseMyTrip suspended flight bookings to the Maldives in solidarity with the nation. Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in the Maldives expressed concerns to the Maldivian Foreign Office, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Center underscored the importance of India-Maldives relations, noting the swift actions taken by the Maldivian government to contain the fallout. Kugelman emphasised the Maldives’ delicate balancing act between India and China, indicating the government’s resolve to maintain ties with both nations.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of international relations, demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of diplomatic spats in an interconnected world striving for mutual understanding and cooperation.

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