The Indian Prime Minister's vacation photos in the Lakshadweep Islands were seen by certain politicians in the archipelago as a desire to distract tourists from the Maldives. There are actually geopolitical questions behind this dispute.
Published on November 1st, 2024 12:39 p.m. Updated on November 1st, 2024 12:40 p.m
Reading time: 2 minutes
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on social networks on January 4, 2024 photos of himself in the Lakshadweep Islands, a paradisiacal archipelago in southern India, not far from the Maldives. (SCREENSHOT TWITTER)
Nothing is going well between India and the Maldives. The origin of the major diplomatic “quackery” that just happened between the two countries is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vacation photos.
Vacation photos in the form of a promotional shot to extol the charm of the Lakshadweep Islands, a paradisiacal archipelago in southern India, not far from the Maldives. On Thursday, January 4, Narendra Modi posted pictures on the networks that showed him walking alone on the white sand of a pristine beach, sitting casually in a wicker chair and watching the turquoise waters of the tropical breeze, or even wearing a mask and Snorkeling fish splashed against the colorful backdrop.
Recently I had the opportunity to be among the people of Lakshadweep. I continue to be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of its islands and the incredible warmth of its people. I had the opportunity to interact with people in Agatti, Bangaram and Kavaratti. I thank the people of… pic.twitter.com/tYW5Cvgi8N
—Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024
He really put in a lot of effort, but at least thanks to him the local tourist office didn't have to buy advertising inserts.
Narendra Modi called out everyone’s names
The Maldives did not like this method at all. The archipelago doesn't really want to be deprived of the spotlight, where tourism, especially Indians in the archipelago, accounts for a third of its economy. Three deputy ministers reacted very negatively to Narendra Modi's photos, which they saw as an attempt to divert tourist flows. They couldn't help calling him all the dirty names: “clown,” “puppet of Israel,” “terrorist,” and so on. Comments that do not reflect the official opinion of our country say the government suspended them, but the damage has been done. The Indians, who, like their prime minister, have a fairly strong nationalist streak, have made an exception.
Nowadays, calls for a boycott of the Maldives are increasing. It started with Bollywood actors and cricketers telling their millions of subscribers that they would get an Indian tan on their next vacation because the Madives are home to people who misbehave.
Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives making hateful and racist comments about Indians. Surprised that they would do this in a country that sends them the most tourists.
But we are good to our neighbors
Why should we tolerate something like that? pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 7, 2024
Under the hashtag #BoycottMaldives, some internet users even posted screenshots proving that they had canceled their trip, and EaseMyTrip, a booking platform that accounts for almost 10% of the travel market in India, no longer offers the destination in its “in solidarity with us.” Catalog to Nation”. The Confederation of All India Traders, one of the largest trade organizations in the country, also called on its members to suspend trade relations with the Maldives. All these rebels are waiting for an apology…
It's not just about tourism
The newly elected President of the Maldives, Mohamed Mouizzou, campaigned for rapprochement with China and against Indian influence, which he considers too important. He also secured the withdrawal of Indian soldiers stationed in his archipelago. At the time Narendra Modi was walking on his beach in flip-flops, he was on an official visit to Beijing. The Maldives occupies a strategic place in a coveted area of the Indian Ocean, and New Delhi does not want to lose control. It is therefore as clear as the water of the lagoon. The depiction of Narendra Modi in flip-flops on the beach is actually a threat of retribution hidden behind the postcard appearance.