A lot has happened over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s blissful walk on the sandy pristine beach of one of India’s least explored tourism destinations – Lakshadweep. Living among 1.40 billion people has its share of joys and perils. One of the most irritating problems that most Indians face is the lack of privacy amid creepy neighbours who seem to know more about you than they know about themselves. Running a country like this requires extraordinary skills. Prime Minister Narendra Modi often travels to remote places within the country arguably in search of some peace and tranquillity. A similar trip to Lakshadweep on the New Year introduced the country to a beach paradise in its backyard while Indians travelled far and wide in search of such beauty and tranquillity.
But Prime Minister Modi’s pictures from Lakshadweep raised some purportedly unsavoury remarks from the newly-formed Maldivian government headed by UK-educated President Mohamed Muizzu. Whether the remarks were unsavoury or witty, they were taken by Indian “wolf warriors” to display their jingoism. But this kind of love for the country is shallow and does nodo any good either to Indian tourism or to Indian diplomacy. President Muizzuas dealt with the matter in a mature and sincere manner, restraining his ministers from making any further comments on the issue, and also schooling them why they must refrain from commenting on foreign governments and officials.
President Muizzu soon went on a five-day official visit to China where he met President Xi Jinping. China is the second-largest economy in the world and it means whether you like or not, you can’t avoid doing business with it. In this light, it’s not difficult why President Muizzu must reach out to China as early as it’s possible for him. We Indians who have taken immense pleasure in berating and boycotting Maldivian tourism should understand that criticism is not always bad. Criticism and appreciation are the two sides of the same coin, especially when we talk about these in the contest of people in public life.
Right now, India is facing a serious threat to its cargo ships in the Red Sea where Iran-backed Yemen-based Houthi militants have launched several drone attacks on them. It is estimated that around 30% of the Indian cargo is going to be affected by this new threat!
Our goodwill with countries like Maldives plays an important role in maintaining peace in our favour. In this light, some friendly criticism or mocking from novice Maldivian ministers and parliamentarians should not have been blown out of proportion. Let’s not forget, when rationalists are silenced, extremists get the chance to rise their heads. We must thank these leaders whether they are pro-China or anti-India that their country is not like Pakistan or Afghanistan where militants high on opium have disrupted normal life. We expect President Muizzu to play an important role in regional peace and stability.
When it comes to Indian tourism, we must admit we are only good for outbound tourism. With the kind of civic sense and the cleanliness standards we have in India, it’s good that fewer foreign tourists come here. It will save Indian tourism getting bad reviews in foreign press.
Recent geopolitical events and statements from Maldivian officials have added a new layer of complexity to the regional landscape. Amidst these developments, it’s worthwhile to explore the tourism dynamics of these destinations and their challenges and potentials for growth.
Maldives stands as a beacon of luxury tourism, boasting well-developed international airports, a plethora of luxury resorts, and efficient connectivity through ferries and seaplanes. In contrast, Lakshadweep faces challenges with limited development, fewer resorts, and connectivity issues.
Maldives has established itself as a global honeymoon haven, offering diverse activities and enjoying year-round appeal. Lakshadweep, on the other hand, boasts untapped beauty, a unique cultural experience, and a focus on eco-tourism potential.
While Maldives faces challenges such as vulnerability to climate change and concerns about overtourism, Lakshadweep grapples with accessibility issues, the need for infrastructure development, and the delicate balance between tourism and environmental preservation.
The future of Lakshadweep’s tourism industry depends on its ability to strike a balance between development and environmental protection, allowing it to carve its own niche in the Indian Ocean tourism market. Government initiatives, visa policies, and the growing trend of eco-tourism and responsible travel practices will play pivotal roles in shaping the destinies of these two paradises. (IPA Service)
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