The diplomatic row between India and Maldives continues to escalate after Maldives government summoned Indian envoy Munu Mahawar in a tit-for-tat move over derogatory post on PM Narendra Modi by Maldivian ministers on Monday.
Indian Ambassador to Maldives Mahawar was summoned by Maldives government hours after New Delhi does the same in escalating diplomatic row.
Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs had summoned Maldives high commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb day after the Lakshadweep pictures shared by PM Modi set off a row between the two countries.
Earlier, India’s travel company EaseMyTrip announced suspension of all scheduled flight bookings to Maldives in response to the recent derogatory marks made by Maldives ministers against PM Modi and India on social media.
The company’s CEO and Co-founder Nishant Pitti while expressing solidarity with the nation announced the decision in a social media post.
"In solidarity with our nation, @EaseMyTrip has suspended all Maldives flight bookings," said Pitti on X.
The travel company—EaseMyTrip is headquartered in New Delhi. It was jointly founded by Nishant Pitti , Rikant Pitti, and Prashant Pitti in 2008.
Earlier, the company had began its Lakshadweep campaign under #ChaloLakshadweep on social media after PM Modi’s recent visit to the place.
The company’s another Co-founder Prashant Pitti on January 4 said the company will come up with “special-offers to promote this pristine destination” that PM Modi recently visited.
"Water & beaches of Lakshadweep are as good as Maldives/Seychelles We at @EaseMyTrip will come up with crazy special-offers to promote this pristine destination that our PM @narendramodi has recently visited!” he said on X.
MEA summons Maldives high commissioner:
India on Monday summoned Maldives high commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb, ANI reported.
The Ministry of External Affairs of India on summoned Shabeeb in Delhi.
Row over three Maldives ministers remarks against India:
The recent remarks by three Maldives ministers on social media over PM Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep and against India has generated rage among the countrymen, with many deciding to cancel their scheduled bookings to the island nation in protest.
Many celebrities including cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Bollywood actors Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and others have appealed countrymen to visit “Indian islands”.
The three deputy ministers had criticized Modi for his post on 'X' following his visit to Lakshadweep.
They had said the move was an attempt to project Lakshadweep as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.
Maldives suspends its three ministers:
The Maldivian government suspended three deputy ministers for derogatory social media posts against PM Modi following a backlash with India.
Maldives suspended its three ministers Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, over their posts.
“All government officials responsible for the comments have been suspended from their post effective immediately,” said Ibrahim Khaleel, spokesperson for the President of Maldives.
Earlier, India strongly raised the matter with the island nation.
Souring relations between India and Maldives after Muizzu assumes power in the island nation:
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is considered pro-China. Due to Muizzu’s stance, there have been difference between India and the island nation. The opposition in the island nation has been criticising Muizzu over his pro-China policy.
Muizzu has recently embarked on a week-long visit to China.
