Why are Indians boycotting Maldives?

ALBAWABA – Indians are calling to boycott Maldives amid the comments made by one of its ministers on X (formerly known as Twitter) allegedly insulting India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, according to OP India.

Maldives is currently trending on X with more than 300 thousand posts calling to boycott the country after the comments by Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, Mariyam Shiuna. 

She replied to a post by Modi as he promoted India’s Union territory Lakshadweep and said:

“What a clown. The puppet of Israel Mr Narendra Diver with a life jacket #VisitMaldives.”

X (formerly known as Twitter)The post was later deleted after Mariyam received backlash from the Indian community on X for her remarks on Modi. Here are what some users had to say about the matter:

“I went to Maldives a few months back and with the things going around. I wish I hadn’t gone .. ” 

“Boycott Maldives and explore Lakshadweep the hidden gem of India and help India to become the World’s 3rd economy!” 

“Just a few pictures of PM at #Lakshadweep and the entire Maldives ministry is triggered.”

Additionally, more prominent figures in Maldives such as a Council member of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives named Zahid Rameez took to X and made racist remarks about Indians amid the Lakshadweep post made by Modi by saying: 

“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.”

According to OP India, the remarks made by these Maldives officials could hinder the diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives.