Why Modi’s photos called for an Indian boycott of Maldives tourism?
One of the Maldives' main tourist revenue streams is boycotting the country after three of its officials made fun of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Indian celebrities and residents have been urging people to avoid the sun-kissed retreat in favour of their beaches.
Modi uploaded pictures of himself snorkelling and strolling along a beach in Lakshadweep, a southern Indian island chain in the Laccadive Sea, off the coast of Kerala, on social media site X. This sparked a controversy.
Though Modi did not specifically name the Maldives in his article, his gushing praise of the stunning landscape of the lesser-known islands may have been seen as a charm offensive to entice travellers there instead of the Maldives.
In response to his tweet, three Maldivian officials called Modi a “t...