Maldives will face trouble with Prime Minister Modi Lakshadweep photo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi went underwater on Wednesday to explore the reefs and marine life and posted some photos wearing the snorkelling gear. The photos went viral within minutes of being posted.

Modi was in Lakshadweep on January 2 and 3 to inaugurate the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection and dedicated many developmental projects to the nation. During his stay, he soaked in the beauty of the island and urged travellers to explore it.

As PM Modi landed on the island, India started googling the relatively new travel destination. On Wednesday, ‘Lakshadweep’ was the ninth most searched word on Google in India. There were more than 50,000 searches that day.

Sharing the mesmerizing pics PM Modi wrote, “For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list,”. PM Modi added: “Lakshadweep is not just a group of islands; it’s a timeless legacy of traditions and a testament to the spirit of its people.”. Making a strong promo for the island similar to what he did for J&K in 2021.

PM Modi’s appeal along with the viral photos indeed drives Indians to visit Lakshadweep, it will directly cost Maldives, eating from its market share.

The new government in Maldives has been perceived to be courting China. After Turkey, Maldives President Muizzu picked China for a second visit since taking office. Both Turkey and China are considered to be acting against India’s interests.

Last December, Maldives said it would not renew the Hydrographic Survey Agreement made with India. The agreement was signed in June 2019 during PM Modi’s Maldives visit. Muizzu’s party had been seeking to remove Indian troops from 10 island nations even before taking power. After coming to power, he did not change his stand.