Diplomatic tensions emerge as troll armies in the Maldives take on India, sparking an online clash and hinting at a deeper political crisis
During his recent visit to Lakshadweep, Prime Minister Narendra Modi enthusiastically showcased the breathtaking beauty of the archipelago on various social media platforms. The carefully curated photographs highlighted the pristine environment of Lakshadweep, primarily dependent on coral reefs. Modi's penchant for image-centric publicity has been evident, and in this case, he strategically used visuals to position himself as a forward-thinking leader.
In one of his social media posts, Prime Minister Modi encouraged adventure enthusiasts to include Lakshadweep in their travel itineraries. By sharing picturesque images of the tourist attractions in Lakshadweep, he aimed to boost tourism in the region. Many individuals naturally expressed admiration for the beauty of Lakshadweep and praised the initiative.
However, a segment of social media users took an unexpected turn by using the opportunity to criticize the neighboring Maldives. Some suggested refraining from visiting the Maldives due to their perceived anti-India stance, emphasizing the preference for exploring the beauty of their own country. A few even made light-hearted comments about the Maldives' uncertain future. In response, Maldivian ministers engaged in a war of words, with Minister Mariam Shiuna making objectionable tweets linking Prime Minister Modi with Israel.
This exchange triggered a jingoistic campaign from both Indian and Maldivian supporters, with hashtags like #BoycottMaldives gaining traction on social media. Celebrities and public figures, known for their frequent visits to the Maldives, were also targeted.
In a significant development, the Maldivian government took action by suspending the three ministers responsible for the objectionable comments on Prime Minister Modi. They emphasised the importance of expressing views responsibly in a democratic setup.
Looking beyond the social media skirmish, it becomes evident that the Maldivian ministers' comments are not isolated incidents but indicative of prevailing anti-India sentiments in the country. The Maldives, consisting of 1,952 islands with a predominantly Islamic population, relies heavily on tourism, with a substantial portion of its GDP linked directly or indirectly to this sector, with India being a significant contributor.
Historically, India-Maldives relations have seen fluctuations, with periods of close ties alternating with phases of increased proximity to China. The recent shift in sentiment is attributed to the government under Mohammed Muizzu, where anti-India sentiments were exploited for political gains during the 2023 elections.
An anti-India campaign initiated by opposition parties gained momentum after 2020, with the slogan 'India Out' demanding the removal of Indian military deployment in Maldives. The situation escalated in 2022 when a crowd attacked an International Yoga Day event organized by the Indian High Commission in Male, leading to a setback in diplomatic relations. The anti-India sentiment intensified during the 2023 elections, with local issues, perceived failures of the Solih government, corruption, and the anti-India wave playing crucial roles in Dr. Mohammed Muizze's election victory.
In essence, the recent social media spat and political developments highlight the deep-rooted anti-India sentiments in Maldives, fueled by a complex mix of regional politics, historical dynamics, and local issues.
(The writer is a senior journalist, views are personal)