Maldives Flight Bookings Cancelled: Indian Business Leaders Lashes Out as the Anti-PM Narendra Modi Posts Goes Viral.

Indian leaders question Maldives tourism post-offensive remarks. EaseMyTrip suspends bookings, urges #ChaloLakshadweep #BoycottMaldives gains momentum.

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Krutarth Ghosalkar

Last Updated: January 08, 2024

Summary: PM Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep has sparked a row of controversy among the Indians.

Over the years, India Maldives relations have shared the cultural and religious links with a very amicable and multi-dimensional companionship. India was one of the first nations to perceive Maldives after its independence in 1965, and to develop a cordial relationship with the country.

MP Zahid Rameez, made a mockery of PM Modi’s visit to lakshadweep, saying “The idea of comparing Maldives to Lakshadweep is delusional as the permanent smells in the rooms will be the biggest downfall for India”.

Minister Maryam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid have been suspended for making derogatory comments on the recent posts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his recent visit to lakshadweep, calling him ‘clown’ and ‘puppet’.

This started a war of words on social media among the Indians. Maldives suffered a major backlash from the people of India including Indian business leaders saying India has better tourism potential than Maldives.

Indian business leaders like Adar Poonawalla, Radhika Gupta, and many more came in the support of PM Narendra Modi, claiming Indian destinations like Andaman and Laskhadweep can easily overshadow Maldives.

Nishant Pitti, CEO of EaseMyTrip, in his post on X, formerly Twitter, wrote “In solidarity with our nation, @EaseMyTrip has suspended all Maldives flight bookings”. Therefore, no flight bookings will be accepted for the Maldives.

Prashant Pitti, in his post on X wrote “Water & beaches of Lakshadweep are as good as Maldives/Seychelles. We at @EaseMyTrip will come up with crazy special-offers to promote this pristine destination that our PM @narendramodi has recently visited!”

#BoycottMaldives is now trending on social media, with many celebrities and high-profile leaders, entrepreneurs cancelling their visit to Maldives amid this issue.

After the issue of boycotting Maldives was raised, the Maldivian government released a statement saying, “The government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals.” adding, “Personal opinions do not represent the views of the government of Maldives”.

This Controversy has rather created a dent on India Maldives relation causing a lasting effect on its economic, cultural, and strategic relations.