• By Manik Sharma
  • Sun, 07 Jan 2024 06:19 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the Lakshadweep archipelago, some Indians claimed to cancel their planned holidays to the island nation. There were speculations that PM Modi's visit might boost tourist footfall on the island, positioning it as an alternative to the Maldives.

However, Maldivian politician Zahid Rameez, a council member of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), dismissed the idea, stating that the comparison was vague.

"How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall," Rameez posted on X.

ALSO READ: ‘Rohit Should Captain…Virat Kohli Should Be There’: Sourav Ganguly Backs Indian Stalwarts To Be Selected For T20I World Cup

Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts in the Maldives, Mariyam Shiuna, further fueled the controversy with insulting remarks against PM Modi in now-deleted social media posts.

The cricket fraternity also weighed in on the issue, with former players like Sachin Tendulkar, Irfan Pathan, Venkatesh Prasad, and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya expressing criticism of the Maldives' official's tweets. They took pride in India's culture and tourism, emphasising the country's beautiful coastlines and pristine islands.

Hardik Pandya expressed disappointment over negative remarks about India, highlighting the gorgeous marine life and beautiful beaches in Lakshadweep. Sachin Tendulkar praised India's beauty, mentioning the coastal town of Sindhudurg.

ALSO READ: ‘Shreyas Iyer Is Not The Only Player Who Failed’: Sunil Gavaskar Defends Iyer’s Test Form In Recently Concluded South Africa Tour

"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," Hardik posted on X.

"India is blessed with beautiful coastlines and pristine islands. With our “Atithi Devo Bhava” philosophy, we have so much to explore, so many memories waiting to be created," Sachin posted describing the beauty of Sindhudurg.

Venkatesh Prasad criticised the Maldives government's stance and urged India to develop its own coastal towns into tourist destinations.

"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," Prasad posted.

"Having travelled the world since I was 15, every new country I visit reinforces my belief in the exceptional service offered by Indian hotels and tourism. While respecting each country's culture, it's disheartening to hear negative remarks about my homeland's extraordinary hospitality. #Maldives," Pathan posted on X.

The diplomatic tension between India and the Maldives has escalated recently, particularly since President Mohamed Muizzu took office in November last year, signalling a shift in foreign policy towards closer ties with China.