Shruti Suman
Tensions have escalated between India and Maldives, sparking a significant controversy after Maldives Deputy Minister Mariyam Shiuna and other cabinet ministers made unfavorable comments about PM Modi in connection with his recent Lakshadweep visit. In response to these derogatory remarks, the Maldivian government suspended three ministers. In a show of solidarity with India, the travel company EaseMyTrip has suspended all flight bookings to Maldives. Additionally, the company has initiated the ‘#ChaloLakshadweep’ campaign.
EaseMyTrip Halts Maldives Flight Reservations
Nishant Pitti, co-founder and CEO of EaseMyTrip, announced the suspension of all Maldives flight bookings in response to the offensive comments made by Maldivian ministers against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Expressing support for India, Pitti shared on social media, “In solidarity with our nation, @EaseMyTrip has suspended all Maldives flight bookings.”
Travel Company Launches #ChaloLakshadweep Campaign
Besides suspending Maldives flight bookings, the online travel solutions provider EaseMyTrip has kicked off the ‘Visit Lakshadweep’ campaign with #ChaloLakshadweep. Pitti mentioned in his post, “Water & beaches of Lakshadweep are as good as Maldives/Seychelles. We at @EaseMyTrip will now come up with crazy special offers so as to promote this pristine destination that our Prime Minister @narendramodi has recently visited!”
#BoycottMaldives Gains Momentum on Social Media
Amidst the escalating conflict between India and Maldives, the hashtag #BoycottMaldives has gained traction on social media as Indian tourists began canceling their planned vacations to the island nation. The Indian Association of Tour Operators predicted a noticeable impact within the next 20-25 days. Many Indians on social media claimed to have canceled their trips to the Maldives.
Rajiv Mehra, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, remarked, “Suddenly, there has been no inquiry on Maldives. There are sudden drops. We are expecting that people will not book trips to the Maldives.” A Delhi-based tour operator also noted, “Maldives is quite popular among Indians. But this incident will have an impact. And we are also seeing an impact right now as well on bookings. We are expecting a huge downfall in people who are choosing the Maldives as a tourist destination.”
Background of the India-Maldives Dispute
In a now-deleted post, Maldives Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment Mariyam Shiuna made mocking and disrespectful references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding his visit to the Lakshadweep Islands. The post included photographs of PM Modi from his visit. Following this incident and the derogatory remarks, the Maldives government suspended three ministers: Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid
