Lakshadweep Maldives Dispute-What is the Lakshadweep Maldives Issue?

Lakshadweep and Maldives are both beach destinations. Lakshadweep Maldives issue controversies cast the spotlight on Social Media after Modi visited Lakshadweep and posted pictures of Sun-kissed beaches and exotic lush green landscapes.

Recently, Prime Minister Modi posted an image on 5th January stating, "For those who wish to find the adventurer, Lakshadweep has to be on your list." It affects one of the most significant sources of tourism income in Maldives and sparked controversy between India and Maldives. 

The controversy started when Maryam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid, the Ministry of Youth Affairs in Maldives, officially mocked India and their Prime minister for their latest visit to Lakshadweep Island. Modi did not mention the Maldives in their post, but their ministers called him a "clown," "terrorist," and a "puppet of Israel."

The Indian Government raised the issue with The Maldives; their government banned their account and suspended the three ministers. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives" "They also addressed "beliefs in freedom of expression, but that has to be exercised in a responsible manner." The matter comes at a sensitive time when Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu visited China for five days to sign the key agreements to improve trade and professional and socioeconomic development.

India is the most prominent tourism income for maldives. Last year Maldives Tourism website stated that India's people visit their marvelous tropical beaches in the most enormous numbers. India made approximately two lakh trips to the Maldives, which makes their 11% market share high. They are also a priority for India under the Neighbourhood First Policy. India also offers military and medical support to the Maldives for any uncertainty and natural disaster.

Side Effects: After the Lakshadweep Maldives issue, many travelers from India canceled their trips and posted screenshots by using the hashtag # #BoycottMaldives. So many film stars support, and prominent personalities support this hashtag. 

Also, the Indian Travel site "Make my Trip" suspended Maldives. Akshay Kumar, one of the biggest actors in India, posted on Twitter by saying, "We are good to our neighbors, but why should we tolerate such unprovoked hate? I've visited the Maldives many times and always praised it, but dignity first. Let us decide to #ExploreIndianIslands and support our tourism. " 

Among Indian celebrities, sportspersons, and business founders, including Bhumi Pednekar, Pooja Hegde, Madhur Bhandarkar, PV Sindhu, Shilpa Shetty, and Varun Dhawan, and Snapdeal Co-founder Kunal Bahl, have written about the Indian Island and add Lakshadweep to their bucket list. These hashtags are trending on Twitter and talking about Indian beaches and their beautiful scenery. Analysts believe that it will affect the Maldivian government and tourism sector after the controversy.