While replying to Motion of Thanks on the President's Address, Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Chowdhury slammed Centre over India vs Maldives row and China’s intrusion bids along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh objected to the Congress leader’s comments in the Parliament and said India “shouldn’t be defamed in the Parliament”. He also said that the country is not weak anymore and it has emerged strong. "I would like to assure the House that India is not weak anymore. India has become strong. If someone dares to stare at India, India has the capability and strength. to give a befitting reply...The country should not be unnecessarily defamed in the forum of the Parliament," the Defence Minister said. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju waded into the debate and countered Adhir Chowdhury’s claims.
06 February,2024 11:57 AM IST
Reacting to the India-Maldives row, the Maldives Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim called on Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu to formally apologize to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India, Voice of Maldives, a Maldivian digital news outlet, reported. “Regarding any country, especially a neighbouring one, we shouldn't speak in a way that affects the relationship. We have an obligation to our state that must be considered. President Solih did consider this obligation and issued a Presidential Decree banning the "India Out" campaign. Now, Yameen is questioning why Muizzu, who participated with him in the India Out Campaign, has not nullified the Presidential Decree,” he said. He added, “The Decree should not be nullified, as it would only result in a loss to the nation. That cannot be done. I would tell Muizzu that it shouldn't be done. Also, I call on President Muizzu to formally apologize to the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi regarding his remarks after the China trip.” The removal of Indian troops in the Maldives was the main campaign plank of Muizzu's party during the presidential elections. Currently, there are around 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, stationed. On the second day of assuming office, Muizzu officially requested the Indian government to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives. Apart from the call for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, a massive row erupted after a Maldivian deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging and unsavoury references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent Lakshadweep visit and call to development the Indian archipelago as a global retreat for beach tourism. The Maldives government, however, distanced itself from the remarks.
31 January,2024 11:22 AM IST
Amid the India-Maldives Row, speculations of the withdrawal of Indian troops from Maldives are rife. According to Maldives news reports, the President proposed the removal of Indian troops before March 15. Meanwhile, Maldives issues a press release following India-Maldives High-Level Core Group meeting in Male. India, however, putting rumours to rest said that a discussion to find "mutually workable solution" was done in Male. The two sides also agreed to hold the next meeting of the High-Level Core Group in India on a mutually convenient date. Notably, the diplomatic row was triggered between India and Maldives after 3 Maldivian leaders posted derogatory remarks against PM Modi mocking him over his recent trip to Lakshadweep. The matter was strongly raised by India, with Male and top opposition leaders of the island nation slamming the ruling establishment over the row. Further, the Maldives is facing a boycott from Indian tourists, one of its biggest sources of tourism income, following the incident.
15 January,2024 11:16 AM IST
While shedding light on the India-Maldives row, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on January 13 asserted that “politics is politics” and it can’t be guaranteed that every country will support or agree with India everytime. EAM Jaishankar was speaking at the Manthan: Townhall meeting in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on Saturday. “Politics is politics. I cannot guarantee that in every country, every day, everybody will support us or agree with us,” he said. Recently, after concluding his China visit, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu said that “Maldives may be small, but it does not give countries the license to bully it,” reported Maldives-based Sun.mv. President Muizzu’s comments came amid India-Maldives Row.
14 January,2024 03:18 PM IST
PM Modi’s social media post on his recent visit to Lakshadweep went viral in no time. On Jan 04, ‘Lakshadweep’ became the 10th most searched word on Google in India. Unexpectedly, the UT’s sudden popularity became the ‘apple of discord’ to Maldivian MPs. Taking to X, Maldivian Minister Mariyam Shiuna made ‘abusive remarks’ on Indian PM’s Lakshadweep visit. However, she deleted her tweet after facing a massive uproar over her controversial remarks. Fuming at a post featuring PM Modi’s visit, MP Zahid Rameez said that the idea of competing with them is “delusional”. Reacting quickly to it, Netizens lambasted MP and triggered a meme fest comparing UT’s beach heaven with Maldives. Later, famous Indian personalities came forward and reacted sharply to politician’s remarks. Also, India’s top foreign affairs experts expressed their disappointment over Maldives MP’s remarks. Notably, Lakshadweep is situated just north of the Maldives, 400 kilometers west of mainland India. For the tourists, who wish to explore their adventurer side, Lakshadweep has to be on their list.
11 January,2024 10:18 PM IST
Maldives Envoy to India, Ibrahim Shaheeb was on January 08 seen leaving the Ministry of External Affairs in the national capital's South Block. This comes amid a row over derogatory social media remarks by some ministers in Maldives on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Lakshadweep. Maldives High Commissioner to India Ibrahim Shaheeb was seen arriving at the MEA office building and leaving a short while later. A massive row was triggered last week after Maldives deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging and unsavoury references to PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit.
11 January,2024 02:20 PM IST
As Lakshadweep vs Maldives row intensifies over controversial remarks made by island’s MP Zahid Rameez’s remarks, country’s former Vice President and Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb gave a ‘reality check’. “It is a very sad incident which should not have happened. When you are in an elected position, you should not engage as an activist. One has to be more responsible and also these degraded remarks towards the global leader Prime Minister Modi are not acceptable. We build our tourism on the basis of tolerance, harmony, friendship and hospitality.
11 January,2024 02:16 PM IST
Scenic beach destinations in Lakshadweep have hogged the limelight since PM Narendra Modi’s visit earlier this month. Agatti has one of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep. A 20-bed tourist complex with all modern amenities has been set up here. Indian Airlines operate flights to Agatti making it one of the most accessible islands in Lakshadweep. Several travel portals are witnessing all-time high searches for the country's beach destinations besides Lakshadweep. Online travel company Make My Trip said in a statement that searches for Indian beach destinations have increased by 350 %. Amid a row triggered by Maldives’ politicians, Indian Govt is taking initiatives to boost tourism infra in Lakshadweep This surge in tourism development signals an exciting phase for Lakshadweep's travel landscape.
11 January,2024 11:07 AM IST
B-Town On Maldives Row: Tensions arose between India and the Maldives due to disrespectful remarks by Maldivian officials about PM Narendra Modi's Lakshadweep visit. Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar spoke about exploring Indian islands. Akshay condemned the comments, urging support for Indian tourism. Ranveer Singh unintentionally shared a Maldives picture while promoting Lakshadweep. The Maldives government disassociated from its ministers' remarks, emphasizing commitment to positive dialogue with all partners, including neighbors. Watch the full video for more details!
09 January,2024 06:09 PM IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, promoting tourism in Lakshadweep islands set off a Political war between Maldives, India. Reacting to a post featuring PM Modi's visit, Maldives MP Zahid Rameez said that the idea of competing with them is "delusional". Zahid Rameez made a controversial remark saying that "Permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall" for India. Twitter users were quick to lambast the Maldives politician for his 'distasteful' remarks on Lakshadweep. Maldives may be one of the top tourist spots, but PM Modi’s vision for Lakshadweep has propelled UT's tourism prospects. Days after MP Zahid Rameez’s remark went viral on social media, India summoned Maldives High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb on Jan 08. However, the Maldives Government suspended three ministers over derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Now, A Maldivian MP Meekail Naseem requested Parliament to summon Foreign Minister for questioning regarding derogatory remarks against PM Modi. Amid the India, Maldives tourism diplomatic row, Israel announced that it will start the desalination programme in the Lakshadweep. The diplomatic row started after PM Modi shared his experiences from Lakshadweep and thanked the people of the islands. Photos of PM Modi snorkeling, walking on white sand, and resting on a virgin beach have gone viral. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s post on social media has promoted a massive surge in Google searches.
09 January,2024 12:35 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
