• Source:JND
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Lakshadweep vs Maldives: Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared glimpses of a snorkelling adventure in Lakshadweep, a tweet by a Maldives minister targeting PM Modi has triggered a row on social media. PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, the country's smallest Union Territory, was seen as a move to promote tourism as several Maldivian politicians said India was trying to boost tourism in the archipelago at the cost of Maldives.

Maldivians On PM Modi Lakshadweep Visit

"The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is 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," Zahid Rameez, a member of the Progressive Party of Maldives, posted on X.

Indian Side On Lakshadweep vs Maldives

"Angry blokes from our side are more lethal than any army...Now everyday people will post photos of cancelled trips and the Maldivians will suffer," Suhel Seth, popular columnist and managing partner of Counselage India posted on X.

#BoycottMaldives Trends In India

Many Indians on social media have claimed that they have cancelled their planned holidays to the island nation. Amid row over PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit, #BoycottMaldives' is trending on X in India.

PM Modi On Lakshadweep Visit

This followed after PM Modi posted pictures of his undersea exploration on social media and shared his experience of islands in the Arabian Sea. During his recent visit to Lakshadweep islands, the prime minister went snorkelling to explore the undersea life.

"For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list. During my stay, I also tried snorkelling – what an exhilarating experience it was," PM Modi wrote on X.

The prime minister also shared pictures of his early morning walks on the pristine beaches of Lakshadweep. "In addition to the scenic beauty, Lakshadweep’s tranquillity is also mesmerising. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on how to work even harder for the welfare of 140 crore Indians," he said.

On January 2 and 3, PM Modi was in Lakshadweep to inaugurate the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fibre Connection and to lay the foundation stone for the renovation of five model Anganwadi centres and a primary healthcare facility.

"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," Modi said on X.