New Delhi: CEO Nishant Pitti said in solidarity with India, EaseMyTrip has suspended all Maldives flight bookings.
In response to the online boycott Maldives campaign and derogatory remarks by now-suspended ministers against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his recent visit to Lakshadweep, EaseMyTrip has taken a significant step by suspending all flight bookings to the Maldives.
Standing in support of India, Nishant Pitti, co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Indian online travel company, took to social media X (formally Twitter) stating, “In solidarity with our nation, @EaseMyTrip has suspended all Maldives flight bookings.”
EaseMyTrip initiated the #ChaloLakshadweep campaign, promoting visits to Lakshadweep, an effort led by the online travel solutions provider headquartered in New Delhi. Founded by Nishant Pitti, Rikant Pitti, and Prashant Pitti in 2008, EaseMyTrip expressed its commitment to showcasing the beauty of Lakshadweep, comparing its water and beaches to those of Maldives and Seychelles. Prashant Pitti, in a post on January 4, declared the company’s intention to offer special promotions to encourage travel to this pristine destination recently visited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In solidarity with our nation, @EaseMyTrip has suspended all Maldives flight bookings ✈️ #TravelUpdate #SupportingNation #LakshadweepTourism #ExploreIndianlslands #Lakshadweep#ExploreIndianIslands @kishanreddybjp @JM_Scindia @PMOIndia @tourismgoi @narendramodi @incredibleindia https://t.co/wIyWGzyAZY
— Nishant Pitti (@nishantpitti) January 7, 2024
In the midst of escalating tensions between India and the Maldives, the hashtag #BoycottMaldives gained momentum on social media, as numerous Indian tourists reportedly began canceling their previously planned vacations to the island nation.
Maldivian politicians trigger controversy
Controversy erupted in the Maldives as three deputy ministers faced suspension from the government on Sunday for posting derogatory remarks on social media against Prime Minister Modi. This sparked a backlash, leading to India strongly addressing the issue with Male. Meanwhile, top opposition leaders in the island nation criticized the ruling establishment for the ongoing dispute.
The three deputy ministers, Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid from the youth ministry, faced suspension for criticizing Modi’s post on ‘X’ after his Lakshadweep visit. The posts implied that Modi was attempting to promote the Union territory as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives. The controversy unfolded as President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu embarked on a week-long visit to China.
“All government officials responsible for the comments have been suspended from their positions effective immediately,” announced Ibrahim Khaleel, spokesperson for the President of Maldives.
Sources, requesting anonymity, revealed that the Indian side had expressed its concerns regarding the derogatory remarks to the Maldives.
Prime Minister Modi, after his recent visit to Lakshadweep, praised the “stunning beauty” of the islands and the “incredible warmth” of its people in a post on a platform referred to as ‘X.’ He encouraged adventure enthusiasts to consider adding Lakshadweep to their travel lists.
In response, social media saw a surge of posts urging Indians to choose Lakshadweep over the Maldives due to concerns about the pro-China stance of the Maldivian government. President Muizzu, who took office last November, broke with tradition by announcing a visit to China before traveling to India. Typically, New Delhi is the first destination for Maldivian presidents, but Muizzu’s first bilateral visit was to Turkey.
Indian celebrities react
The comments made by the ministers have sparked criticism in India, prompting many celebrities to encourage people on X to explore domestic tourist destinations instead of choosing the Maldives.
Celebrities, including actors Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, as well as cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, joined the appeal, urging individuals to visit “Indian islands” and coastal destinations.
In various social media posts, Akshay Kumar, cricketer Hardik Pandya, and former players Venkatesh Prasad and Virendra Sehwag, among others, strongly denounced the “hateful” and “racist” comments made by the three ministers on X.
What Maldivian foreign ministry said
The Maldivian foreign ministry acknowledged the existence of “derogatory remarks” on social media platforms against foreign leaders, stating that such personal views do not reflect the government’s official position.
The Atoll Times reported that on Sunday, the Maldivian authorities suspended three deputy ministers who faced criticism for their posts on ‘X,’ where they were observed verbally abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India.