Devendra Fadnavis' Konkan tourism push amid India-Maldives row
Fadnavis's remarks followed PM Modi's recent visit to Lakshwadeep islands, where he posted picturesque photos captured during his stay in the union territory.
In the midst of the India-Maldives controversy, Maharashtra deputy chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, took to social media to encourage citizens to explore the Konkan region.

Taking to X Fadnavis posted on Tuesday, “When you #ExploreIndianIslands, don’t miss out visiting Konkan and get mesmerised by one of the greatest examples of architectural prowess of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Sindhudurg Fort to India's first integrated Scuba diving School MTDC’s Indian Institute of Scuba Diving and Aquatic Sports (IISDA) (PADI) at Tarkarli Beach with breathtaking view and experience of the grand Arabian Sea.”
Fadnavis's remarks followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the Lakshwadeep islands, where he posted picturesque photos clicked during his stay in the union territory.
In the first week of January, PM Modi posted pictures from his visit to Lakshadweep on X. He wrote, "Recently, I had the opportunity to be among the people of Lakshadweep. I am still in awe of the stunning beauty of its islands and the incredible warmth of its people."
READ | Action against errant Maldives ministers after Mohammed Muizzu's return from China?
"For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list. During my stay, I also tried snorkelling - what an exhilarating experience it was!" he added.
Maldivian Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, reportedly made a derisive and disrespectful remark about PM Modi during his visit to the Indian island cluster in a now-deleted post. Another leader Abdulla Mahzoom Majid said “Targeting the Maldives so explicitly isn't diplomatic.”
Following an outrage and a strong protest by New Delhi, Male distanced itself from the ministers' remarks, calling it ‘personal opinions’. Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef and Mahzoom Majid were suspended by the Mohammad Muizzu government.
ABOUT THE AUTHORHT News DeskFollow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

E-Paper


