External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the ongoing India-Maldives row during the Manthan: Townhall meeting in Nagpur, Maharashtra on January 13. He emphasized the unpredictable nature of Politics, stating, “I cannot guarantee that in every country, every day, everybody will support us or agree with us.”
Jaishankar highlighted India’s efforts over the last decade to build strong global connections, regardless of political differences. He stressed the importance of fostering positive relationships with other countries, citing India’s involvement in infrastructure development, investments, and tourism.
The diplomatic dispute between India and Maldives was sparked by derogatory remarks made by three Maldivian leaders against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This led to strong condemnation from India, resulting in a boycott of Maldives by Indian tourists, a crucial source of revenue for the island nation.
As social media outcry and the hashtag #BoycottMaldives gained traction, Indian celebrities voiced support for promoting tourism in India’s Lakshadweep and other regions. The Maldivian government, in response, distanced itself from the disparaging comments, with Minister for Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer stating that such remarks do not reflect the official position of the government.
The ongoing spat has historical roots, as India and Maldives have experienced strained relations in the past. The recent incident has further strained bilateral ties, leading to a diplomatic standoff between the two nations.
As the situation continues to unfold, the India-Maldives row underscores the complexities of international relations and the need for diplomacy in addressing disagreements.
Read More Politics News
