Israel pitches for promoting tourism in Lakshadweep amid India-Maldives row

The Israeli embassy in India pitched for promoting tourism in Lakshadweep on Monday (January 8), amid a diplomatic row between India and the Maldives over disparaging remarks made by Maldivian ministers following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the islands.

“We were in #Lakshadweep last year upon the federal government's request to initiate the desalination program. Israel is ready to commence working on this project tomorrow. For those who are yet to witness the pristine and majestic underwater beauty of #lakshadweepislands, here are a few pictures showing this island's enchanting allure,” the Israeli embassy wrote on X. It also shared pictures of the pristine beaches and marine life in Lakshadweep.

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.

The Maldivian government suspended three of its deputy ministers on Sunday after they criticised 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.

(With agency inputs)