Indian Celebrities Who Are Supporting The Boycott Maldives Trend; What Is The Controversy All About?

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to the mesmerizing Lakshadweep and ventured into some adventure sports, encouraging people to visit the islands to boost tourism. However, this move didn’t sit well with Maldives as some ministers from the neighboring country criticized the PM’s visit.

Maldives Minister Mariyam Shiuna mocked PM’s Lakshadweep visit in a now-deleted post on social media. Shiuna encouraged tourists to visit the island country, sparking the #VisitMaldives trend. Additionally, some Maldivian netizens posted racist and offensive comments directed towards Indians.

Had excellent interactions with the beneficiaries of various government schemes. It's inspiring to see firsthand how these initiatives are fostering better health, self-reliance, women empowerment, improved agricultural practices and more. The life journeys I heard were truly… pic.twitter.com/JEYFHb1ZaZ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024

In response to these remarks, a viral trend on social media led to the call for boycotting Maldives. Indian celebrities joined the movement, urging people to explore Lakshadweep and support local tourism.

Actor Akshay Kumar condemned the comments by the Maldives junior minister, emphasizing the importance of dignity. He advocated supporting Indian tourism and exploring the country’s islands. His statement on social media highlighted the need to #ExploreIndianIslands.

“Came across comments from prominent public figures from 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 own tourism,” He wrote on his X.

Came across comments from prominent public figures from 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… pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN

— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 7, 2024

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, without directly naming Maldives, participated in the online campaign promoting Indian beaches and tourist spots.

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… pic.twitter.com/DUCM0NmNCz

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 7, 2024

Actor John Abraham tweeted under the trend #ExploreIndianIslands, encouraging tourists to flock to Lakshadweep. Salman Khan also expressed admiration for PM Modi’s visit to the picturesque Lakshadweep through his social media handle, lauding the beauty of Indian beaches.

With the amazing Indian hospitality, the idea of “Atithi Devo Bhava” and a vast marine life to explore. Lakshwadeep is the place to go.#exploreindianislands pic.twitter.com/CA1d9r0QZ5

— John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) January 7, 2024

It is so cool to see our Hon PM Narendrabhai Modi at the beautiful clean n stunning beaches of Lakshadweep, and the best part is that yeh hamare India mein hain.

— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) January 7, 2024

Following the controversy, the Maldives government released a statement expressing regret and reaffirmed the enduring friendship between both nations. Additionally, the Maldives government took action, suspending three of its ministers—Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha, and Hassan Zihan—for their derogatory remarks directed at India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.