‘…when we have Lakshadweep & Andaman’: Indian business leaders on Maldives row

After a massive backlash, the Maldives government on Sunday suspended three deputy ministers for derogatory posts on PM Modi and India.

Published on: Jan 8, 2024, 07:24:08 IST

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

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Chiming in on the controversy sparked by tweets from now-suspended deputy ministers of the Maldives government – they made offensive social media posts on prime minister Narendra Modi and India in general after the PM's endorsement of Lakshadweep as a tourist destination – Indian business leaders wondered why Indian tourists ‘pay so much’ for the island nation, despite destinations such as Lakshadweep and Andaman in the country itself.

Tweets on PM Modi's by Lakshadweep visit by Maldivian ministers triggered backlash from Indian social media users (Image courtesy: @adarpoonawalla/X)

Also Read: Maldives suspends 3 deputy ministers over remarks against India and its leadership

“I am obsessed with the potential of Indian tourism…the answer is (1) infrastructure and (2) marketing. The PM’s recent visit has put the spotlight on these destinations. Our hotel brands have shown us time and again that we know how to do luxury like no one else. Let’s take the best of Indian hospitality to build a world class tourism experience,” Radhika Gupta, MD and CEO, Edelweiss Mutual Fund, posted on X.

Adar Poonawalla, CEO, Serum Institute of India (SII) wrote: “Our country has so many magnificent tourist destinations, with unimaginable potential; yet to be fully explored. Can any of you guess this Indian tourist haven, just from the pictures I’ve posted?”

Meanwhile, travel portal EaseMyTrip announced it was putting on hold all flight bookings to the archipelago.

“In solidarity with our nation, @EasMyTrip has suspended all Maldives flight bookings,” Co-founder and CEO Nishant Pitti stated on the social media platform.

The Maldives deputy ministers' remarks infuriated not only Indians – among them sportspersons and actors – with many even cancelling their bookings, these were condemned by Maldivian politicians as well.

Also Read: From defence to infra development, how India has always stood with Maldives

In recent years, Maldives has seen a tilt towards China.

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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

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