In a bold move echoing solidarity with India, EaseMyTrip, the prominent online travel company, has chosen to suspend all flight bookings to the Maldives. The decision follows derogatory remarks made by some, now-suspended, ministers against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The controversy sparked after comments were directed at PM Modi regarding his recent visit to Lakshadweep, escalating tensions between the two nations.
EaseMyTrip CEO, Nishant Pitti, made the announcement on social media, stating, “In solidarity with our nation, @EaseMyTrip has suspended all Maldives flight bookings.
The #BoycottMaldives campaign gained momentum on social media, leading to Indian tourists reportedly canceling planned vacations to the island nation. The diplomatic dispute intensified as three Maldivian deputy ministers faced suspension for their derogatory social media posts against Prime Minister Modi.
EaseMyTrip, headquartered in New Delhi, initiated the #ChaloLakshadweep campaign, encouraging travelers to explore the pristine beauty of Lakshadweep. Co-founder Prashant Pitti pledged to introduce special offers to promote this idyllic destination that PM Narendra Modi recently visited.
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The diplomatic row ignited as Maldivian ministers criticized PM Modi for promoting Lakshadweep as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives. Indian celebrities, including Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Sachin Tendulkar, took to social media, urging people to explore domestic tourist destinations.
Prime Minister Modi’s post highlighting the beauty of Lakshadweep and its warm people triggered a social media wave encouraging Indians to choose Lakshadweep over the Maldives. The controversy deepened as President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu embarked on a week-long visit to China, breaking the convention of making India the first port of call for Maldivian presidents.
The suspended ministers faced backlash from Indian celebrities, who condemned the “hateful” and “racist” comments on social media. Akshay Kumar, Hardik Pandya, Venkatesh Prasad, and Virendra Sehwag joined the chorus of voices advocating for the exploration of Indian islands and coastal destinations.
The Maldivian foreign ministry clarified that the derogatory remarks on social media do not represent the government’s position. The diplomatic tussle has brought to the forefront the significance of diplomatic relations in the context of online campaigns and social media discourse.