What started the diplomatic row?
India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, recently shared pictures and a video from the beaches of Lakshadweep Island to highlight the island's development and tourism. However, this started a social media war between India and the Maldives and a diplomatic row between both countries.
PM Modi posted the photos and a video only promoting Lakshadweep, without mentioning any other country. But a Maldivian minister and other officials insulted him and made negative remarks online, starting a conflict.
What did the Maldivian officials say?
The problem started because of Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, a minister from the Maldives. He said India has a hard time competing with the Maldives in beach tourism.
This happened after PM Modi's posts about Lakshadweep became popular, and some people on social media suggested that the island could be another place for tourists instead of the Maldives. Other officials from the Maldives and people on social media also said mean things about PM Modi and other Indians.
What was the reaction to this?
Many Indians visit the Maldives for vacations every year, and the Maldives earns a lot of money from these visits. Some Indians have now cancelled their trips to the Maldives because of the social media conflict. Several famous people from India have also criticised the mean comments made against Indians.
The Maldivian government distanced itself from the issue and suspended three ministers for saying bad things about PM Modi. Former Maldivian leaders have also criticised the comments against India and mentioned that India is an old friend of the country. A former minister also said Indians not visiting Maldives can affect the country’s earnings.
More and more Indians are asking travel companies about Lakshadweep after the incident. These are some reactions to this incident.
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