Whole-of-nation response to Maldivian ministers yields rich dividends

When political rhetoric becomes excessive, it hurts those who indulge in it. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and his party, which won the election on an ‘India Out’ campaign, maligned the image of the incumbent Ibrahim Solih for ‘undermining the island nation’s sovereignty’ while fostering close military ties with India. The rhetoric seems to have unbalanced the ruling clique’s sense of proportion. Then there is China, always keen to make its ugly presence felt in India’s neighbourhood. Muizzu is also known for his pro-China predilection, which was evident from his visit to Beijing prior to visiting New Delhi. Apparently, all these factors contributed to the disgraceful remarks three Maldivian ministers made in reaction to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s innocuous remarks, praising Lakshadweep.

“Recently, I had the opportunity to be among the people of Lakshadweep. I am still in awe of the stunning beauty of its islands and the incredible warmth of its people. I thank the people of the islands for their hospitality,” was what Modi posted on Instagram along with the photographs of himself enjoying the scenic beauty of Lakshadweep on January 5. Neither in his social media posts nor elsewhere did he say anything about Maldives, yet the Maldivian ministers had the impertinence to call him a “clown,” “terrorist” and “puppet of Israel.”

The Indian government was obviously incensed and the people of India were furious. It is widely believed that the Maldivian ministers reacted the way they did not just because of their animus against India and Modi but also because they saw a potential rival in Lakshadweep. If the Maldives can attract 17 lakh people every year, why can’t an equally beautiful Lakshadweep? Their fears are not unfounded, for tourism contributes to about two-thirds of the Maldivian economy.

Fear and hatred blend to make a potent toxicant; results have proved to be unpleasant for the government and people of the tiny country in South Asia. Realizing the faux pas of its ministers, the Maldives government sacked them, adding that their “opinions are personal” and do not represent its views. “The government believes that freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners,” it said.

But the damage has been done, and it is likely to grow in magnitude, what with the people of India showing solidarity with their government in a bid to teach the Maldives a lesson. What Male faces today is not a whole-of-government but whole-of-nation response. #ChaloLakshadweep or ‘Let’s go to Lakshadweep’ trended on social media. Film stars and celebrities pledged to shun Maldives in favour of Lakshadweep. Indian travel sites, including EaseMyTrip, are boycotting Maldives, while EaseMyTrip announced that it has suspended bookings for flights.

The Confederation of All India Traders has appealed to its members to suspend their business with the island nation. The results have been good. While the Maldivian government has accepted the wrongdoing, the Maldives Association of Tour & Travel Operators has expressed “heartfelt gratitude for the enduring friendship and partnership” between the Maldives and India. The whole-of-nation response has yielded good dividends.