Global Outlook

  The Maldives, a popular tourist destination, is grappling with the possibility of a tourism boycott following controversial remarks made by three officials mocking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The incident has triggered calls from Indian citizens and celebrities to opt for domestic beaches over the sun-kissed allure of the Maldives. The controversy unfolded when Modi shared images on social media showcasing himself snorkeling and strolling along the beaches of Lakshadweep, a southern Indian island chain. Although Modi didn't explicitly mention the Maldives in his post, his praise for the lesser-known archipelago's breathtaking scenery was perceived by some as an attempt to divert tourism away from the Maldives. In response, three Maldives officials, deputy ministers with the Ministry of Youth Employment, Information, and Arts, labeled Modi as a "clown," "terrorist," and a "puppet of Israel." The Maldives government swiftly distanced itsel...