Lakshadweep's tourism sector received a significant boost as the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation granted SpiceJet a contract for seaplane services under the UDAN scheme. This move is anticipated to further enhance connectivity in the region. The newly introduced SpiceJet seaplane services will operate along various routes:
The decision comes amid a contentious situation involving derogatory comments made by Maldivian ministers, which sparked a dispute with India. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, where he commended the picturesque beauty of the islands and the warm hospitality of its people through a series of stunning tweets, ministers from the Maldives made objectionable remarks against PM Modi.
Maldives' Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid's statements drew severe criticism. In response, the Maldives government suspended the three ministers, clarifying that their views did not align with the nation's policies concerning India.
The disparaging comments triggered a social media uproar, with numerous Indian celebrities, including Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, and Hardik Pandya, rallying in support of PM Modi to bolster tourism in Lakshadweep. Consequently, the hashtag #BoycottMaldives gained traction on social platforms.
In a strong show of discontent, the Indian government summoned the Maldivian High Commissioner on January 8, 2024, to express a firm protest against the derogatory remarks directed at PM Narendra Modi.
Maldives Suspends Ministers Over Anti-India Posts on Social Media
Controversy Erupts Over Maldives Minister's Tweets Mocking PM Modi's Lakshadweep Visit
