Maldives Row: Sachin Tendulkar, Hardik Pandya Condemn Comments Against PM Modi

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya on Sunday condemned Maldives Ministers' comments made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The cricketer also promoted Lakshadweep over Maldives calling it a perfect Island destination. In his post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Hardik Pandya said, "Extremely sad to see what's being said about India. With its gorgeous marine life and beautiful beaches, Lakshadweep is the perfect getaway spot and surely a must-visit for me for my next holiday #ExploreIncredibleIndia."

Former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar too promoted Indian beaches by recalling his 50th birthday celebrations in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Sachin shared a video and a photo from his birthday festivities to glorify the coastal town for its "stunning locations" and "amazing hospitality."

"250 days since we rang in my 50th birthday in Sindhudurg! The coastal town offered everything we wanted, and more. Gorgeous locations combined with wonderful hospitality left us with a treasure trove of memories. India is blessed with beautiful coastlines and pristine islands. With our "Atithi Devo Bhava" philosophy, we have so much to explore, so many memories waiting to be created. #ExploreIndianIslands," Sachin posted captioned his post.

Pandya and Tendulkar's responses came amid a row sparked by a tweet by a Maldivian minister a few days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to the Lakshadweep archipelago. Since the controversy began, several Indians on social media asserted that they have called off their scheduled trips to the island nation.

However, the Maldives government immediately took action against three deputy ministers and expelled them following their social media posts targeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.