MALDIVES, INDIA'S NEIGHBOR with a tourism-dependent economy, faced a social media backlash at the start of the New Year after Maldivian government officials
made disparaging comments about India in social media, following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent Lakshadweep trip. In response, several celebrities
and social media users launched the #BoycottMaldives, #ChaloLakshadweep campaigns, which are trending among Indians.
Meanwhile, the Maldivian government suspended three deputy ministers in the Ministry of Youth Affairs-Maryam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid-for making
the remarks about India and Modi.
"For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list. During my stay, I also tried snorkelling - what an exhilarating experience
it was!" Modi posted on X, accompanying the post with pictures.