Amid a controversy over insulting comments made by Maldivian ministers following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshwadeep Island, Indian movie stars, including Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Shraddha Kapoor, as well as other well-known figures, urged fans to “explore Indian islands” and coastal destinations.
Along with calling for support for the Indian tourism industry, Kumar, cricketer Hardik Pandya, and retired player Venkatesh Prasad condemned comments made by Maldivian ministers on X that sparked a controversy in which online users compared Lakshadweep and the Maldives as competing travel destinations.
Relating to “derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals,” the Maldivian government issued a statement on Sunday.
In an X post, Salman Khan said it was “cool” to see Modi enjoy the clean and stunning beaches of Lakshadweep. “… And the best part is that yeh hamare India mein hain,”
It is so cool to see our Hon PM Narendrabhai Modi at the beautiful clean n stunning beaches of Lakshadweep, and the best part is that yeh hamare India mein hain.
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) January 7, 2024
“The rich culture, tranquil beaches, and the genuine warmth of its people create an enchanting allure. Join me in celebrating the inclusivity and unparalleled beauty of these islands – a treasure trove waiting for us to explore!”, Tiger Shroff posted.
Lost in the azure embrace, Lakshadweep islands have captured my heart. The rich culture, tranquil beaches, and the genuine warmth of its people create an enchanting allure. Join me in celebrating the inclusivity and unparalleled beauty of these islands – a treasure trove waiting…
— Tiger Shroff (@iTIGERSHROFF) January 7, 2024
“All these images and memes making me super FOMO now. Lakshadweep has such pristine beaches and coastlines, thriving local culture, I’m on the verge of booking an impulse chhutti. This year, why not #ExploreIndianIslands (sic)” Shraddha shared on X.
Also Read: Maldives ex-president slams official’s post on PM Modi
All these images and memes making me super FOMO now 😍
Lakshadweep has such pristine beaches and coastlines, thriving local culture, I’m on the verge of booking an impulse chhutti ❤️
This year, why not #ExploreIndianIslands pic.twitter.com/fTWmZTycpO— Shraddha (@ShraddhaKapoor) January 7, 2024
Having spent New Year’s Eve in the Maldives with his family, Akshay Kumar denounced the “hateful and racist” comments made by well-known Maldivian public personalities.
“Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists… We are good to our neighbours but why should we tolerate such unprovoked hate?
“I’ve visited the Maldives many times and always praised it, but dignity first. Let us decide to #ExploreIndianIslands and support our own tourism,” the actor wrote
Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists.
We are good to our neighbors but
why should we tolerate such… pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 7, 2024
Former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad posted, “A deputy minister using such language for our country. Maldives is a largely poor country largely dependent on upmarket tourism with over 15% tourists from India.” “India has very many unexplored beautiful coastal towns, and this is a great opportunity to develop many of them into tourist destinations,”.
A deputy minister using such language for our country.
Maldives is a largely poor country largely dependent on upmarket tourism with over 15% tourists from India.
India has very many unexplored beautiful coastal towns, and this is a great opportunity to develop many of them into… pic.twitter.com/TJnRUEK411— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) January 7, 2024
Sachin Tendulkar posted on X “Gorgeous locations combined with wonderful hospitality left us with a treasure trove of memories. India is blessed with beautiful coastlines and pristine islands. With our ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ philosophy, we have so much to explore, so many memories waiting to be created”.
250+ days since we rang in my 50th birthday in Sindhudurg!
The coastal town offered everything we wanted, and more. Gorgeous locations combined with wonderful hospitality left us with a treasure trove of memories.
India is blessed with beautiful coastlines and pristine… pic.twitter.com/DUCM0NmNCz
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 7, 2024
