HT's full coverage of Maldives row: PM Modi's tweet, ministers' remarks and more

Anurag Thakur said amid Maldives row, “Hill stations, mountains, deserts, the Indo-Gangetic Plains, or the beaches, our country has every such location that people dream of visiting in their lifetime.”

You can also plan your next trip after reading this post by Anurag Thakur.

Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya said, “Extremely sad to see what’s being said about India. With its gorgeous marine life, beautiful beaches, Lakshadweep is the perfect get away spot and surely a must visit for me for my next holiday.”

Actor Tiger Shroff praised Lakshadweep saying that "the rich culture, tranquil beaches, and the genuine warmth of its people create an enchanting allure. Join me in celebrating the inclusivity and unparalleled beauty of these islands - a treasure trove waiting for us to explore!

Former Maldives president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih tweeted, "I condemn the use of hateful language against India by Maldivian government officials on social media. India has always been a good friend to Maldives and we must not allow such callous remarks to negatively impact the age-old friendship between our two countries."

Foreign expert Robinder Sachdev told news agency ANI, "It is absolutely deplorable...There is one section which is anti-India. India not only helps the economy of Maldives through our tourism. We also provide them security. Back in 1988, there was a coup in Maldives, India sent its forces and within hours the coup was stopped. So for the national security of Maldives, India is the neighbour right across. There have been times when there was an acute water shortage in Maldives and India sent aircraft and our navy with bottled water."

Actor Kartik Aaryan said amid Maldives row, “Incredible India is not just a tag, our beautiful country has some of the most incredible and stunning locales and #Lakshadweep is an example of it- a heaven like place in India itself! Can’t wait to explore this beautiful Indian island.”

Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, Munu Mahawar, has taken up with the Maldives government derogatory remarks made by a deputy minister, news agency ANI reported, citing a source who said, “With regards to the recent remarks by the Maldives Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Mariyam Shiuna, the Indian High Commissioner has taken up the matter in Male.”

PM Modi shared pictures from Lakshadweep earlier saying, “For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list. 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. I had the opportunity to interact with people in Agatti, Bangaram and Kavaratti. I thank the people of the islands for their hospitality. Here are some glimpses, including aerial glimpses from Lakshadweep...During my stay, I also tried snorkelling -- what an exhilarating experience it was! For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list.”

The government of Maldives said in a statement, “These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives.”

Freedom of expression should be exercised in a “democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners”, it said, adding, “Moreover, the relevant authorities of the government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks.”

Social media influencer Sonam Mahajan said, “Dear Indians, Please listen to Maldivian ministers who desperately want Indians out. Cancel your travel plans (if any) for the Maldives as soon as possible. Why do you want to go to a country whose people hate you? Lakshadweep awaits you.”

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra took to X and posted: “‘India Out’ was a part of the manifesto. Maldives voted for it. Now, it’s up to us, Indians, to choose wisely. I know that my family will. Jai Hind.”

Abdulla Shahid said that remarks made by two deputy ministers of Maldives are “reprehensible and odious.” Advising the goverment to reprimand the ministers, Abdulla Shahid said, “Public figures must maintain decorum. They must accept that they are no longer social media activists and that they are now entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the interests of the people and the country. India is a time tested friend and an unwavering ally. They have historically been the first to respond in our time of need. Our close relationship has been bound by mutual respect, history, culture and strong people-to-people relations.”

Cricketer Suresh Raina reflected on Maldives row following comments by a minister on PM Modi's post. He said in a X post, “I saw remarks from prominent public figures in the Maldives, expressing hateful and racist comments directed towards Indians. It's disheartening to witness such negativity, especially considering that India contributes significantly to their economy, crisis management and so many other aspects.”

On his visits to Maldives, Suresh Raina recounted, “Having visited the Maldives multiple times and always expressing admiration for the destination's beauty, I believe it's crucial to prioritize our self-respect. In light of recent events, let's unite and choose to #ExploreIndianIslands, supporting our own vibrant tourism industry. It's time to celebrate and appreciate the rich experiences that our own 🇮🇳 has to offer.”

India and Maldives ties took a hit today following derogatory remarks by minister Shiuna on PM Modi. What has happened so far:

1. India raised the matter with Maldives, it was reported.
2. Maldives government issued an official statement saying that those are the minister's “personal opinions.”
3. Indian celebrities have slammed remarks against PM Modi and Indians.
4. And…
5. Hindustan Times is tracking all updates for you. Keep reading.

Over 8,000 hotel bookings & 2,500 flight tickets to Maldives have been cancelled by Indians after comments by ruling party's minister and other public figures against PM Modi, reports claimed amid row.

Amid Maldives row, Venkatesh Prasad said, “A deputy minister using such language for our country. Maldives is a largely poor country largely dependent on upmarket tourism with over 15% tourists from India. India has very many unexplored beautiful coastal towns, and this is a great opportunity to develop many of them into tourist destinations.”

Maldives foreign ministry website is not available in India. It may be because Maldives government put a firewall or temporarily blocked access to their website from Indian IP addresses.

Maldives president Mohamed Muizzu met PM Modi in Dubai on the sidelines of the COP28 climate talks in December 2023. Then both leaders agreed to set up a core group to discuss relations and deepen ties.

Kangana Ranaut responded to row after Maldives minister's comments on PM Modi. The actor said on X, “Smell?? Permanent smell?? What!!! Suffering from massive Muslim phobia, even though belonging to the same community. Lakshadweep consists of 98 percent of Muslim population, this prominent public figure from Maldives calling them smelly and lowly is rather racist and uninformed. Mr Zahid, Lakshadweep’s entire population is hardly 60 thousands people, which means it’s almost untouched, unexplored and unexploited natural island.”

She added, “For most people tourism is not just filthy luxury, it is rather exploration of nature, alignment with the source and above all experiencing and enjoying the raw, untouched beauty of virgin beaches. Shame on you for being so crass and vulgarly racist.”

1. Mohamed Muizzu is scheduled to visit China on Monday, the Chinese foreign ministry said.
2. Chinese president Xi Jinping invited him, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said.
3. “China and the Maldives boast time-honoured friendship. In the past 52 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have treated each other with respect and supported each other, setting a fine example of equality and mutual benefits between countries of different sizes,” spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry said.

1. Tension between India and the Maldives has spiked in recent months.
2. It happened after Maldives new president Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November last year.
3. Mohamed Muizzu indicated a shift in foreign policy, signaling closer ties with China.