Indian celebrities too jumped in upholding the fervid trend #ExploreIndianIslands, an initiative aimed at promoting tourism on the local islands. This came after Maldives politicians’ racist remarks and mockery of PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit. Reacting to the jibe, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar said offensive comments from prominent figures in the Maldives just don't add up, considering the fact that India sends them the maximum number of tourists. Kumar also advocated that local tourism must be supported. 

“Came across comments from prominent public figures from the Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists.We are good to our neighbors but why should we tolerate such unprovoked hate? I've visited the Maldives many times and always praised it, but dignity first. Let us decide to #ExploreIndianIslands and support our tourism” Kumar wrote on X.

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Another actor, John Abraham, said the idea of “Atithi Devo Bhava” and the vast marine life in Lakshadweep should be explored.  “With the amazing Indian hospitality, the idea of “Atithi Devo Bhava” and a vast marine life to explore. Lakshadweep is the place to go,” he wrote on X with the hashtag #ExploreIndianIslands.

Indian cricket star Sachin Tendulkar too hailed India's island tourism. He shared glimpses of Sindhudurg, a coastal town in Maharashtra while promoting the trend #ExploreIndianIslands. “250+ days since we rang in my 50th birthday in Sindhudurg!The coastal town offered everything we wanted, and more. Gorgeous locations combined with wonderful hospitality left us with a treasure trove of memories.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 wrote on X. 

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When users said PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep could boost tourists’ footfall on the island and the place could be an alternative to Maldives, Maldivian politician Zahid Rameez, a council member of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) said the idea of such competition was delusional.  "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 said on X.

Besides, Mariyam Shiuna, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, also sparked a row after she made insulting remarks against PM Modi over his Lakshadweep visit. Shiuna called PM Modi a "clown" and "puppet" in now-deleted posts on X.

The outrageous comments by prominent figures from the Maldives attracted the ire of Indians. Netizens have been vehemently promoting a trend calling for a boycott of the Maldives as a tourist destination. 

However, Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed on Sunday condemned the derogatory language used by his nationals against PM Modi and India. He said the language was appalling and the government should distance itself from the comment. "What appalling language by Maldives Government official @shiuna_m towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for Maldives’ security and prosperity. @MMuizzu gov must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect gov policy," Nasheed wrote on X. 

Now, the Maldives government has distanced itself from the comments made against India and PM Modi. In a statement, it also said that the government would take action against such people.

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"The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives...Moreover, the relevant authorities of the Government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks,” the government said in an official statement."The Government believes that 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," the statement added.


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