A disagreement between India and the Maldives regarding preferred beach vacation destinations for Indians underscores the significant dependence the island nation has on tourism from its larger ally and neighbour. It also brings attention to India's concerns about the increasing influence of China in the region. (Image: Mohamed Afrah/AFP/Getty Images)
The recent social media storm triggered by a seemingly innocent photo shared by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has escalated into a diplomatic clash between India and the Maldives. The controversy unfolded when Modi praised the beauty of Lakshadweep, an Indian island chain, sparking accusations from the Maldives that it was an attempt to divert tourists from their picturesque archipelago.
The Maldives, heavily reliant on tourism, faced a potential threat to its economy as #BoycottMaldives trended on social media. Three Maldivian ministers were suspended for derogatory comments against Modi, adding fuel to the already tense situation. The strained relations had roots in the September election that brought President Mohamed Muizzu to power, who campaigned on reducing India's influence and strengthening ties with China.
Following his election, Muizzu made good on his promise to expel around 80 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives, further escalating tensions. Social media played a significant role in exacerbating the situation, with public outrage from the Indian side prompting calls for a boycott of the Maldives.
India's Ministry of External Affairs summoned the Maldivian envoy to address the insults, and an Indian travel site, EaseMyTrip, followed through on the boycott threat. The company decided to stop promoting and booking trips to the Maldives in favor of promoting Indian destinations like Lakshadweep.
However, comparisons between the two destinations are flawed, as the Maldives is already an internationally known tourist hotspot with established infrastructure, while Lakshadweep is underdeveloped and has limited tourist access. The diplomatic dispute coincided with the Maldivian president's state visit to China, marking a departure from tradition, where India was historically the first ally a new Maldivian president would visit.
Despite the strain in relations, experts believe the diplomatic row is unlikely to have a lasting impact. Both countries have strategic interests in maintaining their alliance, as India provides crucial support to the Maldives in areas such as food, infrastructure investments, military training, disaster assistance, and education for Maldivian students in Indian institutions.
While the Indian government is concerned about the Maldives aligning more closely with China, experts emphasize the importance of both nations cooperating to secure their maritime periphery and counter Chinese influence in the region. The current dispute highlights the delicate balance between geopolitical interests and the economic interdependence of India and the Maldives.
