<h5>What started the diplomatic row?</h5><p>Recently, India’s Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi shared a few pictures and a video of himself on the beaches of Lakshadweep Island. He did so to promote the island’s infrastructure development and tourism. However, this sparked a social media war between India and the Maldives and a diplomatic row between both countries.</p><p>Last week, a Maldivian minister and other officials insulted PM Modi after he tweeted photos and a video of himself on a beach in Lakshadweep. In his post, the PM didn’t mention any other country. Still, the row started.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/diplomatic-row-between-india-and-maldives%2FModi%202.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=751b954b-ea07-4667-89ab-25c9f1acb101"><figcaption>PM Modi at a beach in Lakshadweep. Photo by Narendra Modi.</figcaption></figure><h5>What did the Maldivian officials say?</h5><p>The conflict was sparked primarily by Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, an important Maldivian minister, who accused India of targeting the Maldives. He said India faces enormous hurdles in competing with the Maldives regarding beach tourism.</p><p>His remark came after PM Modi’s posts about Lakshadweep went viral, prompting many social media users to argue that the island may be an alternative tourism destination to the Maldives.</p><p>Even though Majid deleted his tweet, other high-ranking Maldivian government officials and social media users insulted PM Modi and other Indians.</p><h5>What was the reaction to this?</h5><figure class="image"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/diplomatic-row-between-india-and-maldives%2FMaldives.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=8b347e4c-bdc7-4651-9562-c3c1fac56b68"><figcaption>A statement by the Maldivian government. Photo by ANI.</figcaption></figure><p>Many Indian tourists visit the Maldives every year. The country earns a lot of money from tourism. Some Indians have now cancelled their trips to the Maldives due to the social media conflict. The hashtag 'Boycott Maldives' is trending. Several Indians (including famous personalities) have criticised the hateful comments made by the Maldivian officials against Indians.</p><p>The Maldivian government distanced itself from the conflict and suspended three ministers for derogatory remarks about PM Modi. Former Maldivian leaders have also criticised the comments against India and said India is an old friend of the country.</p><p>A former Maldivian minister has also said Indians boycotting the Maldives will be bad for the country’s economy. The Indian foreign ministry summoned Maldives High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb after bad comments were made against PM Modi.</p><p>Travel companies are also seeing a rise in inquiries for Lakshadweep following the incident. These are some reactions to this incident.</p>

The conflict started after PM Modi visited Lakshadweep.

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