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Suresh Raina & Sachin Tendulkar (Source: Twitter)
Maldives, which has been a major tourist destination for Indians for years, has been facing a major backlash due to 'racist' remarks from public figures on the island. Hate speech against a country that contributes significantly to their economy is never acceptable and as the row flares up, renowned former cricketers including legendary Sachin Tendulkar have joined to 'boycott' the Maldives.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the union territory of Lakshadweep paved the way for exposing the hidden face of the South Asian country. PM Modi posted pictures of his visit to Lakshadweep and promoted the island as a tourist destination for Indians. Not liking the competition, Maldivian ministers and MPs shared offensive remarks against the Indian PM and questioned the cleanliness of Indian beaches.
Apart from Tendulkar, former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad, former all-rounders Suresh Raina and Irfan Pathan also condemned the remark and encouraged fellow citizens to explore the beauty of Indian beaches. Raina said it is crucial to prioritize self-respect and support our own tourism industry.
I saw remarks from prominent public figures in the Maldives, expressing hateful and racist comments directed towards Indians. It's disheartening to witness such negativity, especially considering that India contributes significantly to their economy, crisis management and so many… https://t.co/Imulj3g5I7
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) January 7, 2024
Meanwhile, Prasad criticised Maldives Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment Mariyam Shiuna for making derogatory remarks against India. He believes that this is a "great opportunity to develop many of them into tourist destinations".
A deputy minister using such language for our country.
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) January 7, 2024
Maldives is a largely poor country largely dependent on upmarket tourism with over 15% tourists from India.
India has very many unexplored beautiful coastal towns, and this is a great opportunity to develop many of them into… pic.twitter.com/TJnRUEK411
Irfan Pathan said it's "disheartening to hear negative remarks about my homeland's extraordinary hospitality".
Having traveled the world since I was 15, every new country I visit reinforces my belief in the exceptional service offered by Indian hotels and tourism. While respecting each country's culture, it's disheartening to hear negative remarks about my homeland's extraordinary…
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 7, 2024
India is blessed with beautiful coastlines and pristine: Sachin Tendulkar
Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar did not directly criticise the Maldives, but took a dig at the island by lauding Sindhudurg, the coastal town in Maharashtra and its beautiful coastlines and pristine islands.
250+ days since we rang in my 50th birthday in Sindhudurg!
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 7, 2024
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… pic.twitter.com/DUCM0NmNCz
Hardik Pandya, who is currently rehabilitating from an injury sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup, also expressed displeasure at the remark against India.
Extremely sad to see what’s being said about India. With its gorgeous marine life, beautiful beaches, Lakshadweep is the perfect get away spot and surely a must visit for me for my next holiday 🫶 #ExploreIncredibleIndia pic.twitter.com/UA7suQArLB
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) January 7, 2024
Meanwhile, the Maldives government on Sunday suspended three of its ministers - Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid - for their offensive and 'racist' remarks.