In a recent development, a tense debate prompted by a tweet from a Maldivian minister has put strain on relations between India and the Maldives. Bollywood stars have responded to the topic with fervor, calling for support for domestic travel while unintentionally stirring up a social media storm with a few slip-ups.

Celebrities from Bollywood, such as Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Shraddha Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, Akshay Kumar, and others, endorsed the compelling charm of regional India on social media. But when Ranveer Singh tweeted an old photo of the Maldives, his attempt to defend the Indian region of Lakshadweep backfired. Singh then quickly removed the tweet and reshared a message supporting domestic travel without any accompanying images after realizing his mistake.

This year let’s make 2024 about exploring India and experiencing our culture. There is so much to see and explore across the beaches and the beauty of our country

Chalo India let’s #exploreindianislands

Chalo bharat dekhe

— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) January 8, 2024

Vigilant followers swiftly criticized Singh for his error, pointing out the contradiction between his advocacy of Indian islands and his usage of Maldivian images. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju came under fire for using pictures of the islands of Bora Bora and the Maldives in his endorsements, which caused more controversy and humiliation among the populace.

You are promoting Indian islands while putting a picture of Maldives.

What is wrong with you, Ranveer? pic.twitter.com/lf0VAWE2GJ

— Suraj Balakrishnan (@SurajBala) January 8, 2024

Cabinet ministers are not far behind https://t.co/5t5caxiQwz

— Rituraj (@CrimsonScalpel) January 8, 2024

Because of a tweet that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted, there are tense relations between India and the Maldives at the moment this social media drama is taking place. Modi’s post on social media featured beautiful images from Lakshadweep and left out any reference to the nearby Maldives. A group of people believed that this exclusion was done on purpose to draw attention away from Lakshadweep. As a result, three Maldivian officials reacted angrily, calling Modi a “terrorist,” a “clown,” and a “puppet of Israel,” according to CNN.

The Maldivian government quickly distanced itself from the officials’ remarks in response to them, suspending the three deputy ministers from the Ministry of Youth Employment, Information, and Arts. The administration emphasized the need for democratic and responsible expression without creating hostility or strain in international relations, making it clear that these remarks were personal thoughts and did not represent its official position.

The incident’s timing is especially problematic, though, since Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu was about to leave on his first trip to China, which was significant. Muizzu, who is well-known for taking a pro-China attitude and intending to reevaluate the country’s policy toward India, is in Beijing for a five-day visit with the goal of fortifying ties and signing important commercial and development agreements.

The Maldives, however, cannot afford to sour relations with India, its nearest neighbor, in spite of efforts to strengthen ties with China. Over 209,000 visits from Indian visitors made up 11% of the Maldives’ tourism market share in 2023, CNN says. Indian travelers make up a considerable component of the country’s tourism industry.

Indian travelers were incensed by the statements made by Maldivian officials, which resulted in cancellations and demands for a boycott of the Maldives in favor of home travel. Celebrities from Bollywood like Akshay Kumar denounced the authorities’ remarks as “hateful and racist,” urging support for Indian travel instead.

Beyond social media, this episode had an impact as the Indian travel website EaseMyTrip halted reservations for flights to the Maldives in support of the country. Aware of the seriousness of the situation, the Indian High Commission in the Maldives conveyed its concerns to the Maldivian Foreign Office.

Wilson Center analyst Michael Kugelman emphasized the significance of the Maldives-Indian relationship while highlighting the Maldivian government’s prompt response to contain the consequences. Kugelman highlighted the Maldives’ careful balancing act between China and India, demonstrating the government’s determination to keep diplomatic relations with both countries.

The episode shows the far-reaching effects of diplomatic squabbles in a globalized society that strives for understanding and cooperation, serving as a sobering reminder of how delicate international relations are.

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