Travel company MakeMyTrip (MMT) on Monday informed that it has observed a 3400% increase in on-platform searches for Lakshadweep since the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Union Territory. The development comes as a diplomatic row erupted between India and the Maldives over derogatory remarks by Maldives Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment Mariyam Shiuna against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The remarks by the Maldivian minister sparked an outcry on the internet with Indians calling for a boycott of the island nation for tourism.
Since the Honorable PM's visit, we have seen a 3400% rise in Lakshadweep-related on-platform searches. We've launched a 'Beaches of India' campaign on the platform with deals and discounts to entice Indian tourists to visit the breathtaking beaches of their nation, spurred by this enthusiasm in Indian beaches. Follow this space for updates!" MakeMyTrip wrote in a post on X.
The rise in searches for Lakshadweep coincides with a number of prominent Indian celebrities joining the #ExploreIndianislands trend on social media and urging people to choose them over the Maldives, which is openly becoming anti-Indian following the election of a new government.
After an anti-Indian campaign propelled him to power, President Mohamed Muizzu made a point of aligning himself with China and the Arab world. Amidst the diplomatic spat with India, Mohamed Muizzu began his tour to China, and it is anticipated that the giant of Asia will provide the Maldives with additional financial support.
In the midst of a spat with India over President Mohamed Muizzu's journey to China, Chinese officials clarified on Monday that Beijing had never requested that Male refuse New Delhi due to the disputes between the two countries.
"China acknowledges the importance of Male maintaining positive relations with New Delhi and respects the friendly and cooperative relationship between the Maldives and India." Beijing does not see collaboration between the Maldives and India as hostile or dangerous, and it has never pressured Male to reject New Delhi due to disputes between China and India, according to an editorial published by Chinese state media. "China is also open to pursuing trilateral cooperation with the Maldives, India, and China.”
