Delhi Police Urges A Visit To Beautiful Lakshadweep: Post Goes Viral

After the controversy sparked between India and Maldives after a social media post by a Maldives minister just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lakshadweep visit, support for local beaches and travel spots was expressed by various Indian celebrities.

As the buzz over the India-Maldives row continues, Delhi Police has also used an opportunity to not only promote tourism in Lakshadweep but also advise to "Don't drive stressed and get proper sleep". The post is shared by Delhi Police on their official account on Instagram. An image with the caption "Humara (our) Island is lovely and exquisite" was shared by the Delhi Police, accompanied by a message stating, "Don't drive stressed. Get proper sleep. Take a break. Visit beautiful Lakshadweep."

The post garnered mass popularity across social media platforms, with numerous likes and positive reactions from many users. The users have flooded the comment section with multiple statements. A user commented, "Again, a well-appreciated post by the Delhi police, and hats off to the team behind this page for creating interesting posts with some learning." Another user wrote, "Thank you, Delhi Police, for promoting Indian tourism."

Meanwhile, the Maldivian envoy to India was summoned to the external affairs ministry on Monday and conveyed strong concern over the remarks against Modi in social media by a number of ministers of the Maldives. On Sunday, three deputy ministers of the Maldivian government were suspended after they criticized Modi for his post on X following his visit to Lakshadweep, inferring that it was an attempt to project the Union Territory as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.

The Maldivian foreign ministry said the government is aware of "derogatory remarks" made on social media platforms against foreign leaders and that the personal views do not represent the country's position. The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has also strongly condemned derogatory remarks made by officials in the tourism-dependent country against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India.

India, termed as one of the closest neighbours and allies of the Maldives, has always been a first responder to various crises throughout the history of the island country.

"India is one of our closest neighbours and allies. India has always been a first responder to various crises throughout our history, and we are immensely grateful to the close relationship that the government as well as the people of India have maintained with us," MAITI said in a statement. It stressed that India has been a "consistent and significant contributor to the tourism industry of the Maldives." It stated that India has "greatly assisted" Maldives recovery efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic after the borders were reopened.