Israel to start desalination program in Lakshadweep; shares pics amid India-Maldives row

Many celebrities have urged citizens to explore domestic tourist destinations like Lakshadweep instead of going to the Maldives.

Published on: Jan 8, 2024, 16:36:29 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Israel has announced that it will start the desalination program in Lakshadweep on Tuesday, a move that could further boost tourism in the Indian archipelago amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Maldives.

Lakshadweep has emerged as a preferred tourist destination after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.

The Israeli embassy in a social media post on X said, “We were in #Lakshadweep last year upon the federal government's request to initiate the desalination program.”

“Israel is ready to commence working on this project tomorrow,” it added.

Sharing the photographs of the pristine Indian beaches in Lakshadweep, the embassy said, “For those who are yet to witness the pristine and majestic underwater beauty of #lakshadweepislands, here are a few pictures showing this island's enchanting allure.”

The announcement comes against the backdrop of brewing diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives over disparaging remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by some ministers in the Mohamed Muizzu government.

The ministers criticised Modi for his post on 'X' following his visit to Lakshadweep, inferring that it was an attempt to project the Union Territory as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.

The row escalated as many celebrities urged people on X to explore domestic tourist destinations instead of going to the Maldives.

The Muizzu government quickly distanced itself from the minister's remarks, calling it their personal view, and suspended them in an attempt to control the damage to the bilateral ties. However, the ministry of external affairs, not satisfied with mere suspension, summoned the Maldivian envoy and called for the dismissal of the three ministers.

Meanwhile, Google searches for Lakshadweep are at their highest in the last 20 years, that too by a huge margin reflecting a hockey stick graph. MakeMyTrip on Monday said it has observed a 3,400 per cent increase in on-platform searches for Lakshadweep ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the islands.

"We have observed a 3400 per cent increase in on-platform searches for Lakshadweep ever since Honorable PM's visit. This interest in Indian beaches has inspired us to launch a 'Beaches of India' campaign on the platform with offers and discounts to encourage Indian travellers to explore country's stunning beaches. Keep watching this space!," MakeMyTrip said in a post on social media platform X.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow 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

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.