<p>In a fascinating turn of events, Lakshadweep has captured the imagination of Indian travelers, witnessing an astonishing 50-fold surge in travel searches. Riding this wave of unprecedented interest, India's digital payments giant, Paytm, has introduced an exclusive 10% discount on flight tickets to this mesmerizing archipelago, signaling a shift in travel preferences.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Lakshadweep has undeniably played a pivotal role in propelling the island to the top of jetsetters' wishlists. Travel platforms report a substantial uptick in inquiries, with users expressing a keen interest in exploring the pristine beauty of Lakshadweep. The surge in travel searches has prompted Paytm to align its offerings with this emerging trend, presenting an enticing discount for travelers eager to experience the island's charm.</p>

<p>Lakshadweep's skies are getting busier as more Indians opt for domestic travel, a trend that has gained momentum in recent times. With Air India operating flights to Lakshadweep's sole airport in Agatti Island, accessible via Kerala, the island has become a convenient yet exotic destination for those seeking a tropical paradise.</p>

<p>The 'Visit Lakshadweep' campaign has gained significant momentum post-Prime Minister Modi's visit, sparking discussions about the destination's newfound popularity. Travel companies are quick to capitalize on this trend by offering steep discounts, further fueling interest among potential tourists.</p>

<p>As Lakshadweep emerges as an alternative to traditional favorites like the Maldives, the debate intensifies over whether it will become the preferred choice for Indian beachgoers. Celebrities, travel agencies, and even foreign embassies are joining the chorus, endorsing Lakshadweep as the new jetsetter's paradise.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;island's allure, coupled with the surge in domestic travel, paints a promising picture for Lakshadweep's tourism industry. With the 'Visit Lakshadweep' campaign gaining widespread support and Indians taking to the skies more frequently, the archipelago is poised to become the sought-after destination for those seeking sun, sand, and serenity.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


In a fascinating turn of events, Lakshadweep has captured the imagination of Indian travelers, witnessing an astonishing 50-fold surge in travel searches. Riding this wave of unprecedented interest, India's digital payments giant, Paytm, has introduced an exclusive 10% discount on flight tickets to this mesmerizing archipelago, signaling a shift in travel preferences.

In a fascinating turn of events, Lakshadweep has captured the imagination of Indian travelers, witnessing an astonishing 50-fold surge in travel searches. Riding this wave of unprecedented interest, India's digital payments giant, Paytm, has introduced an exclusive 10% discount on flight tickets to this mesmerizing archipelago, signaling a shift in travel preferences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Lakshadweep has undeniably played a pivotal role in propelling the island to the top of jetsetters' wishlists. Travel platforms report a substantial uptick in inquiries, with users expressing a keen interest in exploring the pristine beauty of Lakshadweep. The surge in travel searches has prompted Paytm to align its offerings with this emerging trend, presenting an enticing discount for travelers eager to experience the island's charm. Lakshadweep's skies are getting busier as more Indians opt for domestic travel, a trend that has gained momentum in recent times. With Air India operating flights to Lakshadweep's sole airport in Agatti Island, accessible via Kerala, the island has become a convenient yet exotic destination for those seeking a tropical paradise. The 'Visit Lakshadweep' campaign has gained significant momentum post-Prime Minister Modi's visit, sparking discussions about the destination's newfound popularity. Travel companies are quick to capitalize on this trend by offering steep discounts, further fueling interest among potential tourists. As Lakshadweep emerges as an alternative to traditional favorites like the Maldives, the debate intensifies over whether it will become the preferred choice for Indian beachgoers. Celebrities, travel agencies, and even foreign embassies are joining the chorus, endorsing Lakshadweep as the new jetsetter's paradise. The island's allure, coupled with the surge in domestic travel, paints a promising picture for Lakshadweep's tourism industry. With the 'Visit Lakshadweep' campaign gaining widespread support and Indians taking to the skies more frequently, the archipelago is poised to become the sought-after destination for those seeking sun, sand, and serenity. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Lakshadweep emerges as the new jewel in Indian beachgoers' wishlist

<p>There should be a new proverb for Bollywood to match the times: Put your money where your tweets are.</p>

<p>After a couple of days of raging controversies involving politicians close to the new regime in the Maldives, visibly close to the Chinese establishment, Lakshadweep is the hot new term for India's movie stars because some elite Maldivians disparaged Indians&nbsp;days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi was clicked snorkelling at the Indian archipelago.</p>

<p>But there's a catch somewhere, as we shall see.</p>

<p>Everybody and his uncle in Bollywood rallied to tell the world, which essentially meant eager Indian beach lovers and out-of-the-box honeymooners thinking beyond Goa, that they should ditch the arrogant Maldivians for our desi version, Lakshadweep.</p>

<p>As a schoolboy, I worked hard to get brownie points for remembering things like how the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindvi Islands were elegantly and Sanskritisingly renamed as Lakshadweep. But like many things south of the Vindhyas, this falls in the "Madrasi" category for affluent northerners -- something remembered vaguely and forgotten quickly.</p>

<p>In the same 1970s that Lakshadweep got its current name, there was a famous catchphrase to explain an Indian fascination for overseas thingies: "craze for phoren". It was natural therefore that the Maldives became a preferred alternative for honeymooners and sundry beach vacationers.</p>

<p>When not in the news for political tumult or sob stories about its vulnerability to climate change, the archipelago made merry as an attractive destination for Indian vacationers.</p>

<p>With silver beaches, pristine waters and blue skies, Lakshadweep matches up to the Maldives, though we shall not debate infrastructure and other stuff like costs that we shall leave to the touristy analysts. But, in terms of distance, Lakshadweep, 400 km off the Kerala coast from Kochi, stands at half the 800 km you would need to fly to reach the Maldives.</p>

<p>But there are 325 international flights every week&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/maldives-vs-lakshadweep-india-s-airlines-yet-to-look-inwards-with-flight-frequencies-101704696712641.html">connecting </a>the Maldives, whose biggest chunk of tourists comes from India, compared with barely one flight a day from India to Lakshadweep (No direct flights from anywhere except Kochi, thank you!).&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-maldives-row-maldives-faces-heat-over-anti-india-comments-proposes-muizzus-visit-to-india-678169"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India-Maldives Row: Maldives faces heat over anti-India comments, proposes Muizzu's visit to India</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-maldives-row-maldives-faces-heat-over-anti-india-comments-proposes-muizzus-visit-to-india-678169/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Presumably, it is a heady cocktail of the "craze for phoren" (visa-free at that) and great marketing by the Maldivians (and a poor counter from our own union territory) that keeps Lakshadweep a poor cousin.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, we have Bollywood's A-graders firing from their X/Twitter-loaded smartphone guns that Indians should ditch the Maldives for Lakshadweep. A casual Google search (Lakshadweep + Bollywood) assaults us with stories from the past two days listing everyone&nbsp;from Akshay Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan to lesser mortals extolling the virtues of Lakshadweep.</p>

<p>Here's where the catch is. Where were Hindi cinema's famous crews all these years? Switzerland, New Zealand and god knows who else has been wooing Bollywooders to shoot in their exotic locales. We have had movies like Agent Vinod (Morocco), Chalte Chalte (Greece), and Tamasha (Corsica) joining less enchanting locales. But try finding Lakshadweep as I did, and you are likely to draw a blank unless you are a compulsive trivia collector or extra deep researcher.</p>

<p>But where Bollywood failed, Mollywood, Kerala's own thriving film industry, has had its scenic Malayalam shots at Lakshadweep. Flush (2023), Anarkali (2015) and Mosayile Kuthira Meenukal (2014) were joined in 2018 by Sinjar, made in Lakshadweep's own Jasari language.</p>

<p>The Maldivians are a lot luckier with Bollywood.</p>

<p>Apart from several international movies, including one based on Salman Rushdie's Booker-winning novel 'Midnight's Children', the Maldives has witnessed location shooting for at least four Hindi commercial movies including Samundar (1986), Ek Villian (2014), Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005) and the Akshay Kumar flop Ram Setu (2022).</p>

<p>So, Mollywood went to Lakshadweep, and Bollywood went to the Maldives. Get the picture?</p>

<p>Perhaps it is time to tell Bollywooders: Put your money where your tweets are, and not in distant destinations.</p>

<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></em></p>


There should be a new proverb for Bollywood to match the times: Put your money where your tweets are. After a couple of days of raging controversies involving politicians close to the new regime in the Maldives, visibly close to the Chinese establishment, Lakshadweep is the hot new term for India's movie stars because some elite Maldivians disparaged Indians days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi was clicked snorkelling at the Indian archipelago.

There should be a new proverb for Bollywood to match the times: Put your money where your tweets are. After a couple of days of raging controversies involving politicians close to the new regime in the Maldives, visibly close to the Chinese establishment, Lakshadweep is the hot new term for India's movie stars because some elite Maldivians disparaged Indians days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi was clicked snorkelling at the Indian archipelago. But there's a catch somewhere, as we shall see. Everybody and his uncle in Bollywood rallied to tell the world, which essentially meant eager Indian beach lovers and out-of-the-box honeymooners thinking beyond Goa, that they should ditch the arrogant Maldivians for our desi version, Lakshadweep. As a schoolboy, I worked hard to get brownie points for remembering things like how the Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindvi Islands were elegantly and Sanskritisingly renamed as Lakshadweep. But like many things south of the Vindhyas, this falls in the "Madrasi" category for affluent northerners -- something remembered vaguely and forgotten quickly. In the same 1970s that Lakshadweep got its current name, there was a famous catchphrase to explain an Indian fascination for overseas thingies: "craze for phoren". It was natural therefore that the Maldives became a preferred alternative for honeymooners and sundry beach vacationers. When not in the news for political tumult or sob stories about its vulnerability to climate change, the archipelago made merry as an attractive destination for Indian vacationers. With silver beaches, pristine waters and blue skies, Lakshadweep matches up to the Maldives, though we shall not debate infrastructure and other stuff like costs that we shall leave to the touristy analysts. But, in terms of distance, Lakshadweep, 400 km off the Kerala coast from Kochi, stands at half the 800 km you would need to fly to reach the Maldives. But there are 325 international flights every week connecting the Maldives, whose biggest chunk of tourists comes from India, compared with barely one flight a day from India to Lakshadweep (No direct flights from anywhere except Kochi, thank you!). Watch | India-Maldives Row: Maldives faces heat over anti-India comments, proposes Muizzu's visit to India × Presumably, it is a heady cocktail of the "craze for phoren" (visa-free at that) and great marketing by the Maldivians (and a poor counter from our own union territory) that keeps Lakshadweep a poor cousin. Suddenly, we have Bollywood's A-graders firing from their X/Twitter-loaded smartphone guns that Indians should ditch the Maldives for Lakshadweep. A casual Google search (Lakshadweep + Bollywood) assaults us with stories from the past two days listing everyone from Akshay Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan to lesser mortals extolling the virtues of Lakshadweep. Here's where the catch is. Where were Hindi cinema's famous crews all these years? Switzerland, New Zealand and god knows who else has been wooing Bollywooders to shoot in their exotic locales. We have had movies like Agent Vinod (Morocco), Chalte Chalte (Greece), and Tamasha (Corsica) joining less enchanting locales. But try finding Lakshadweep as I did, and you are likely to draw a blank unless you are a compulsive trivia collector or extra deep researcher. But where Bollywood failed, Mollywood, Kerala's own thriving film industry, has had its scenic Malayalam shots at Lakshadweep. Flush (2023), Anarkali (2015) and Mosayile Kuthira Meenukal (2014) were joined in 2018 by Sinjar, made in Lakshadweep's own Jasari language. The Maldivians are a lot luckier with Bollywood. Apart from several international movies, including one based on Salman Rushdie's Booker-winning novel 'Midnight's Children', the Maldives has witnessed location shooting for at least four Hindi commercial movies including Samundar (1986), Ek Villian (2014), Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005) and the Akshay Kumar flop Ram Setu (2022). So, Mollywood went to Lakshadweep, and Bollywood went to the Maldives. Get the picture? Perhaps it is time to tell Bollywooders: Put your money where your tweets are, and not in distant destinations. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Hypocrites of Bollywood? Hindi stars speak loud for Lakshadweep, but prefer Maldives and faraway lands

<p>Since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, Internet has been talking about the beauty that was seen in the pictures PM shared. His visit also erupted in controversy after&nbsp;few politicians from Maldives passed derogatory comments on PM Modi.</p>

<p>Many B-town celebrities, such as Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Amitabh Bachchan, have come in support of Lakshadweep, praising the beauty of the Indian island.</p>

<p>Joining the other celebrities, actor Ranveer Singh also went to show some love for the beauty of the Indian islands.</p>

<p>However, it appears the actor got a little confused with the blue waters as he mistakenly shared the picture of the Maldives instead of Lakshadweep.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-india-is-aatmanirbhar-amitabh-bachchan-hails-the-beauty-of-lakshadweep-amid-maldives-row-677835">Amitabh Bachchan hails the beauty of Lakshadweep amid Maldives row: India is aatmanirbhar</a></p>

<p>On Sunday, Ranveer took to X and shared a picturesque photo of the blue waters, which showed the sky view of the island.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This year let’s make 2024 about exploring India and experiencing our culture. There is so much to see and explore across the beaches and the beauty of our country<br />
<br />
Chalo India let’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/exploreindianislands?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#exploreindianislands</a><br />
<br />
Chalo bharat dekhe</p>
— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/RanveerOfficial/status/1744224080520511849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Sharing the photo, the actor wrote, “This year let’s make 2024 about exploring India and experiencing our culture. There is so much to see and explore across the beaches and the beauty of our country. Chalo India let’s #exploreindianislands Chalo bharat dekhe (Let's explore India).”</p>

<p>Soon after he shared the post, netizens pointed out that he had shared the wrong image.</p>

<p>Reacting to the response, the<em> Padmavat </em>actor was quick to delete the post.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-vir-das-takes-a-dig-at-celebrities-promoting-lakshadweep-amid-india-maldives-row-677803">Vir Das takes a dig at celebrities promoting Lakshadweep amid India-Maldives row</a></p>

<p>Correcting his mistake, Ranveer later shared another post, but without any photos.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, some netizens continued to criticise the actor for the goof-up.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You are promoting Indian islands while putting a picture of Maldives.<br />
<br />
What is wrong with you, Ranveer? <a href="https://t.co/lf0VAWE2GJ">pic.twitter.com/lf0VAWE2GJ</a></p>
— Suraj Balakrishnan (@SurajBala) <a href="https://twitter.com/SurajBala/status/1744225156271362226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"So Ranveer Singh is using the pic of Maldives to boycott Maldives,'' one user wrote.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="qme">😂 <a href="https://t.co/MzXoCs3q2j">pic.twitter.com/MzXoCs3q2j</a></p>
— Abhishek Bhalerao (@mumbaiactor_) <a href="https://twitter.com/mumbaiactor_/status/1744231946920788343?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>''You are promoting Indian islands while putting a picture of Maldives. What is wrong with you, Ranveer?'' wrote another user.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Posted a Maldives pic and deleted 👀 <a href="https://t.co/TYIInE1MBk">pic.twitter.com/TYIInE1MBk</a></p>
— Investment Books (Dhaval) (@InvestmentBook1) <a href="https://twitter.com/InvestmentBook1/status/1744224707807993883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Celebrities promoting domestic tourism</strong></p>

<p>On January 2, PM Modi shared a bunch of photos of him from his visit to the Union Territory of India as he went on to promote the island as the perfect tourist spot that people can choose to visit.</p>

<p>However, the controversy erupted after three Maldivian ministers made insulting remarks about PM Modi, as they deemed his post as a step to promote tourism in Lakshadweep, which may end up affecting tourism in&nbsp;the Maldives.</p>

<p>Three Maldivian ministers who made derogatory remarks against the Indian prime ministers have been suspended.</p>


Since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, Internet has been talking about the beauty that was seen in the pictures PM shared. His visit also erupted in controversy after few politicians from Maldives passed derogatory comments on PM Modi.

Since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, Internet has been talking about the beauty that was seen in the pictures PM shared. His visit also erupted in controversy after few politicians from Maldives passed derogatory comments on PM Modi. Many B-town celebrities, such as Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Amitabh Bachchan, have come in support of Lakshadweep, praising the beauty of the Indian island. Joining the other celebrities, actor Ranveer Singh also went to show some love for the beauty of the Indian islands. However, it appears the actor got a little confused with the blue waters as he mistakenly shared the picture of the Maldives instead of Lakshadweep. Amitabh Bachchan hails the beauty of Lakshadweep amid Maldives row: India is aatmanirbhar On Sunday, Ranveer took to X and shared a picturesque photo of the blue waters, which showed the sky view of the island. This year let’s make 2024 about exploring India and experiencing our culture. There is so much to see and explore across the beaches and the beauty of our country Chalo India let’s #exploreindianislands Chalo bharat dekhe — Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) January 8, 2024 × Sharing the photo, the actor wrote, “This year let’s make 2024 about exploring India and experiencing our culture. There is so much to see and explore across the beaches and the beauty of our country. Chalo India let’s #exploreindianislands Chalo bharat dekhe (Let's explore India).” Soon after he shared the post, netizens pointed out that he had shared the wrong image. Reacting to the response, the Padmavat actor was quick to delete the post. Vir Das takes a dig at celebrities promoting Lakshadweep amid India-Maldives row Correcting his mistake, Ranveer later shared another post, but without any photos. However, some netizens continued to criticise the actor for the goof-up. You are promoting Indian islands while putting a picture of Maldives. What is wrong with you, Ranveer? pic.twitter.com/lf0VAWE2GJ — Suraj Balakrishnan (@SurajBala) January 8, 2024 × "So Ranveer Singh is using the pic of Maldives to boycott Maldives,'' one user wrote. 😂 pic.twitter.com/MzXoCs3q2j — Abhishek Bhalerao (@mumbaiactor_) January 8, 2024 × ''You are promoting Indian islands while putting a picture of Maldives. What is wrong with you, Ranveer?'' wrote another user. Posted a Maldives pic and deleted 👀 pic.twitter.com/TYIInE1MBk — Investment Books (Dhaval) (@InvestmentBook1) January 8, 2024 × Celebrities promoting domestic tourism On January 2, PM Modi shared a bunch of photos of him from his visit to the Union Territory of India as he went on to promote the island as the perfect tourist spot that people can choose to visit. However, the controversy erupted after three Maldivian ministers made insulting remarks about PM Modi, as they deemed his post as a step to promote tourism in Lakshadweep, which may end up affecting tourism in the Maldives. Three Maldivian ministers who made derogatory remarks against the Indian prime ministers have been suspended.

Goof-up: Ranveer Singh mistakenly shares picture of Maldives while promoting Lakshadweep, netizens school him

<p>Lakshadweep, an Indian tropical paradise in the Arabian Sea, is currently in news in relation to&nbsp;diplomatic strain between India and the Maldives, another archipelago in the nautical region that now has a head of state perceived as pro-China and anti-India.</p>

<p>Lakshadweep, also called Laccadive, may not have much in terms of land area as the 36-island archipelago measures a mere 32.69 sq km.</p>

<p>But the natural beauty and strategic location of Lakshadweep make it an asset for India.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India summons Maldives envoy Ibrahim Shaheeb as diplomatic row escalates</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-summons-maldives-envoy-ibrahim-shaheeb-as-diplomatic-row-escalates-677792/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The tropical paradise, an important Arabian Sea post, would have been captured by Pakistan, had it not been for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first home minister of post-colonial India who is also regarded as 'Iron man' for his shrewd but far-sighted and inclusive diplomacy.</p>

<p>Sardar Patel's work was instrumental in shaping post-British era India.</p>

<h2><strong>The situation at the time of Indian independence</strong></h2>

<p>India gained independence from the British on August 15, 1947. Though this was a momentous occasion, a tough task lay ahead.</p>

<p>Prior to independence, the subcontinent was divided into hundreds of princely states and not all of them were keen to join the Indian union.</p>

<p>Sardar Patel's relentless diplomacy bore fruit as he met the royal authorities in these princely states and said that the prestige of the royal houses would prevail even if they decide to join the independent India.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened in case of Lakshadweep?</strong></h2>

<p>Lakshadweep was under British control at the time of Indian independence. As complex as it was, the process of partition of the Indian sub-continent had religion as one of its basis. Lakshadweep, with a majority Muslim population, was a low-hanging fruit for the newly formed state of Pakistan.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-indigo-rejects-reports-of-massive-ticket-cancellations-amid-india-maldives-row-677763">India-Maldives row: 'Reports not true,' IndiGo tells WION amid rumours of massive ticket cancellations</a></strong></p>

<p>Lakshdweep islands are closer to the southern Indian Malabar coast.</p>

<p>It had been reported that Sardar Valabhbhai Patel, with his astute political sense, recognised the strategic importance of Lakshadweep and directed authorities in southern India to quickly send a ship with security personnel to the islands.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/easemytrip-suspends-all-flight-bookings-for-maldives-amid-row-over-pm-modis-posts-677766">Indian travel companies call for boycott of Maldives after row over scornful remarks on PM Modi</a></strong></p>

<p>The reports say that in order to claim the islands, Pakistan had sent a ship as well. But Indians beat them in the race and unfurled tricolour on the islands.</p>

<p>In light of this development, the Pakistani ship had to return to its base.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lakshadweep, an Indian tropical paradise in the Arabian Sea, is currently in news in relation to diplomatic strain between India and the Maldives, another archipelago in the nautical region that now has a head of state perceived as pro-China and anti-India.

Lakshadweep, an Indian tropical paradise in the Arabian Sea, is currently in news in relation to diplomatic strain between India and the Maldives, another archipelago in the nautical region that now has a head of state perceived as pro-China and anti-India. Lakshadweep, also called Laccadive, may not have much in terms of land area as the 36-island archipelago measures a mere 32.69 sq km. But the natural beauty and strategic location of Lakshadweep make it an asset for India. Watch | India summons Maldives envoy Ibrahim Shaheeb as diplomatic row escalates × The tropical paradise, an important Arabian Sea post, would have been captured by Pakistan, had it not been for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first home minister of post-colonial India who is also regarded as 'Iron man' for his shrewd but far-sighted and inclusive diplomacy. Sardar Patel's work was instrumental in shaping post-British era India. The situation at the time of Indian independence India gained independence from the British on August 15, 1947. Though this was a momentous occasion, a tough task lay ahead. Prior to independence, the subcontinent was divided into hundreds of princely states and not all of them were keen to join the Indian union. Sardar Patel's relentless diplomacy bore fruit as he met the royal authorities in these princely states and said that the prestige of the royal houses would prevail even if they decide to join the independent India. What happened in case of Lakshadweep? Lakshadweep was under British control at the time of Indian independence. As complex as it was, the process of partition of the Indian sub-continent had religion as one of its basis. Lakshadweep, with a majority Muslim population, was a low-hanging fruit for the newly formed state of Pakistan. Also Read | India-Maldives row: 'Reports not true,' IndiGo tells WION amid rumours of massive ticket cancellations Lakshdweep islands are closer to the southern Indian Malabar coast. It had been reported that Sardar Valabhbhai Patel, with his astute political sense, recognised the strategic importance of Lakshadweep and directed authorities in southern India to quickly send a ship with security personnel to the islands. Also Read | Indian travel companies call for boycott of Maldives after row over scornful remarks on PM Modi The reports say that in order to claim the islands, Pakistan had sent a ship as well. But Indians beat them in the race and unfurled tricolour on the islands. In light of this development, the Pakistani ship had to return to its base. (With inputs from agencies)

How Sardar Patel kept Pakistan from grabbing Lakshadweep Islands

<p>The global search interest for India's Lakshadweep is at an all-time high in the last two decades after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the tropical archipelago.</p>

<p>Indian government's MyGov platform informed about the Union Territory's soaring popularity on its social media platform.</p>

<p>"PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep caused a significant surge in online searches about the islands. This worldwide search interest is currently at its highest in the last 20 years, indicating a renewed fascination with its natural beauty and cultural richness," MyGov platform said in a posting.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>'s visit to Lakshadweep caused a significant surge in online searches about the islands. This worldwide search interest is currently at its highest in the last 20 years, indicating a renewed fascination with its natural beauty and cultural richness<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lakshadweep?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lakshadweep</a> <a href="https://t.co/z1Cqx5HzOL">pic.twitter.com/z1Cqx5HzOL</a></p>
— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/mygovindia/status/1744257984354812068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The surge in the number of searches worldwide has also been linked to the diplomatic row between India and Maldives that got triggered after the sitting Maldivian deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging references to PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit and passed some derogatory remarks against Indians.</p>

<p>Following this, film celebrities, cricketers, and some notable personalities have openly endorsed tourist destinations in India and have voiced support for PM Modi's call to promote local beach destinations including tourism in Lakshadweep.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-ex-vice-president-calls-current-india-maldives-row-very-sad-incident-677877">Exclusive: Ex-vice president calls current India-Maldives row ‘very sad’ issue</a></p>

<h2><strong>Make My Trip sees record surge in searches for Lakshadweep</strong></h2>

<p>Make My Trip on Monday (Jan 8) released a statement saying that it had witnessed a record surge in the number of searches for beach destination Lakshadweep ever since PM Modi's visit to the Union Territory.</p>

<p>The company highlighted a whopping 3,400 per cent increase observed in on-platform searches for the archipelago.</p>

<p>The travel portal also initiated a campaign called 'Beaches of India' on its platform with discounts and offers to encourage travellers to explore the country's coastlines.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On the row over Maldives MP's post on PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, Raj Rishi Singh, Chief Marketing and Business Officer, MakeMyTrip says "Lakshadweep has seen a remarkable 3400% increase in on-platform searches ever since PM's visit. This inspired us to build a… <a href="https://t.co/xFYSBUsitc">pic.twitter.com/xFYSBUsitc</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1744282123950068207?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"With over 450 beaches in India, India is any beach lover's paradise. Our 'Beaches of India' campaign is an ode to our love for our country's stunning coastlines. Keep watching this space to catch great discounts for your favourite beach destinations," Make My Trip wrote on its Instagram timeline.</p>

<p>Raj Rishi Singh, Chief Marketing and Business Officer at MakeMyTrip said, "We are launching 'Beaches of India' campaign. Under this campaign, our consumers can get knowledge about the great and stunning beaches of India. How to fly, which state, how to book. We are also providing consumers with remarkable deals and discounts."</p>

<p>PM Modi visited the Union Territory on Jan 2 and shared several pictures from his visit.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And those early morning walks along the pristine beaches were also moments of pure bliss. <a href="https://t.co/soQEIHBRKj">pic.twitter.com/soQEIHBRKj</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1742831501740544264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Calling it an "exhilarating experience", the Indian prime minister also tried his hands at snorkelling.</p>

<p>Sharing pictures of the white beaches, and the pristine blue skies, PM Modi said, "For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The global search interest for India's Lakshadweep is at an all-time high in the last two decades after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the tropical archipelago.

The global search interest for India's Lakshadweep is at an all-time high in the last two decades after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the tropical archipelago. Indian government's MyGov platform informed about the Union Territory's soaring popularity on its social media platform. "PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep caused a significant surge in online searches about the islands. This worldwide search interest is currently at its highest in the last 20 years, indicating a renewed fascination with its natural beauty and cultural richness," MyGov platform said in a posting. PM @narendramodi's visit to Lakshadweep caused a significant surge in online searches about the islands. This worldwide search interest is currently at its highest in the last 20 years, indicating a renewed fascination with its natural beauty and cultural richness#Lakshadweep pic.twitter.com/z1Cqx5HzOL — MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) January 8, 2024 × The surge in the number of searches worldwide has also been linked to the diplomatic row between India and Maldives that got triggered after the sitting Maldivian deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging references to PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit and passed some derogatory remarks against Indians. Following this, film celebrities, cricketers, and some notable personalities have openly endorsed tourist destinations in India and have voiced support for PM Modi's call to promote local beach destinations including tourism in Lakshadweep. Also read: Exclusive: Ex-vice president calls current India-Maldives row ‘very sad’ issue Make My Trip sees record surge in searches for Lakshadweep Make My Trip on Monday (Jan 8) released a statement saying that it had witnessed a record surge in the number of searches for beach destination Lakshadweep ever since PM Modi's visit to the Union Territory. The company highlighted a whopping 3,400 per cent increase observed in on-platform searches for the archipelago. The travel portal also initiated a campaign called 'Beaches of India' on its platform with discounts and offers to encourage travellers to explore the country's coastlines. #WATCH | On the row over Maldives MP's post on PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, Raj Rishi Singh, Chief Marketing and Business Officer, MakeMyTrip says "Lakshadweep has seen a remarkable 3400% increase in on-platform searches ever since PM's visit. This inspired us to build a… pic.twitter.com/xFYSBUsitc — ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2024 × "With over 450 beaches in India, India is any beach lover's paradise. Our 'Beaches of India' campaign is an ode to our love for our country's stunning coastlines. Keep watching this space to catch great discounts for your favourite beach destinations," Make My Trip wrote on its Instagram timeline. Raj Rishi Singh, Chief Marketing and Business Officer at MakeMyTrip said, "We are launching 'Beaches of India' campaign. Under this campaign, our consumers can get knowledge about the great and stunning beaches of India. How to fly, which state, how to book. We are also providing consumers with remarkable deals and discounts." PM Modi visited the Union Territory on Jan 2 and shared several pictures from his visit. And those early morning walks along the pristine beaches were also moments of pure bliss. pic.twitter.com/soQEIHBRKj — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2024 × Calling it an "exhilarating experience", the Indian prime minister also tried his hands at snorkelling. Sharing pictures of the white beaches, and the pristine blue skies, PM Modi said, "For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list." (With inputs from agencies)

Global search interest for India’s Lakshadweep witnesses record surge after PM Modi’s visit

<p>Amitabh Bachchan has become the latest celebrity to promote the mystic beauty of the Indian island of Lakshadweep amid the escalating controversy over the derogatory remarks by Maldivian politicians against Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his visit to the Lakshadweep island.</p>

<p>The legendary actor, who is an ardent social media user, took part in the initiative to promote tourism on the Indian islands of Lakshwadeep and Andaman.</p>

<p>Reacting to cricketer Virendra Sehwag's post on X, Bachchan went on to praise the pristine beauty of the two Indian Islands.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
He wrote, "Viru paji .. this is so relevant and in the right spirit of our land .. our own are the very best .. I have been to Lakshadweep and Andamans and they are such astonishingly beautiful locations .. stunning waters beaches and the underwater experience is simply unbelievable .. हम भारत हैं , हम आत्मनिर्भर हैं , हमारी आत्मनिर्भरता पे आँच मत डालिये जय हिन्द 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 @virendersehwag"</p>

<p>Starting from Sunday (Jan 7), many celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Kangana Ranaut, John Abraham, and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar shared support for Lakshadweep using&nbsp;#ExploreIndianIslands as they praised the beauty of Indian Islands that are unexplored.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Viru paji .. this is so relevant and in the right spirit of our land .. our own are the very best .. I have been to Lakshadweep and Andamans and they are such astonishingly beautiful locations .. stunning waters beaches and the underwater experience is simply unbelievable ..<br />
हम… <a href="https://t.co/NM400eJAbm">https://t.co/NM400eJAbm</a></p>
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) <a href="https://twitter.com/SrBachchan/status/1744230422551441906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who never shies away from putting forward his view, took to X to condemn the derogatory comments from prominent public figures in the Maldives.</p>

<p>"Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists. We are good to our neighbors but why should we tolerate such unprovoked hate? I've visited the Maldives many times and always praised it, but dignity first. Let us decide to #ExploreIndianIslands and support our own tourism," Kumar posted on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>The India-Maldives Row</strong></p>

<p>The rift began after Maldivian Minister Mariyam Shiuna made disparaging remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshwadeep. Later, two more Maldivian ministers, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid, commented&nbsp;on the PM's visit to the Lakshadweep island.</p>

<p>Shiuna, who is the Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment in the Maldives, called PM Modi 'clown' and 'puppet of Israel' on X.&nbsp; Reacting to the derogatory remarks, the Maldives government later suspended all three politicians.</p>


Amitabh Bachchan has become the latest celebrity to promote the mystic beauty of the Indian island of Lakshadweep amid the escalating controversy over the derogatory remarks by Maldivian politicians against Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his visit to the Lakshadweep island.

Amitabh Bachchan has become the latest celebrity to promote the mystic beauty of the Indian island of Lakshadweep amid the escalating controversy over the derogatory remarks by Maldivian politicians against Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his visit to the Lakshadweep island. The legendary actor, who is an ardent social media user, took part in the initiative to promote tourism on the Indian islands of Lakshwadeep and Andaman. Reacting to cricketer Virendra Sehwag's post on X, Bachchan went on to praise the pristine beauty of the two Indian Islands. He wrote, "Viru paji .. this is so relevant and in the right spirit of our land .. our own are the very best .. I have been to Lakshadweep and Andamans and they are such astonishingly beautiful locations .. stunning waters beaches and the underwater experience is simply unbelievable .. हम भारत हैं , हम आत्मनिर्भर हैं , हमारी आत्मनिर्भरता पे आँच मत डालिये जय हिन्द 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 @virendersehwag" Starting from Sunday (Jan 7), many celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Kangana Ranaut, John Abraham, and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar shared support for Lakshadweep using #ExploreIndianIslands as they praised the beauty of Indian Islands that are unexplored. Viru paji .. this is so relevant and in the right spirit of our land .. our own are the very best .. I have been to Lakshadweep and Andamans and they are such astonishingly beautiful locations .. stunning waters beaches and the underwater experience is simply unbelievable .. हम… https://t.co/NM400eJAbm — Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) January 8, 2024 × Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who never shies away from putting forward his view, took to X to condemn the derogatory comments from prominent public figures in the Maldives. "Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists. We are good to our neighbors but why should we tolerate such unprovoked hate? I've visited the Maldives many times and always praised it, but dignity first. Let us decide to #ExploreIndianIslands and support our own tourism," Kumar posted on X. The India-Maldives Row The rift began after Maldivian Minister Mariyam Shiuna made disparaging remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshwadeep. Later, two more Maldivian ministers, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid, commented on the PM's visit to the Lakshadweep island. Shiuna, who is the Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment in the Maldives, called PM Modi 'clown' and 'puppet of Israel' on X. Reacting to the derogatory remarks, the Maldives government later suspended all three politicians.

Amitabh Bachchan hails the beauty of Lakshadweep amid Maldives row: India is ‘aatmanirbhar’

<p>International Emmy award-winning comedian Vir Das has commented on Indian celebrities promoting tourism in Lakshadweep Islands. Das' comments come amid tensions between India and the Maldives following a tweet by a Maldives minister slamming the picturesque islands of Lakshadweep as also disparagingly targeting PM Narendra Modi.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Several Bollywood celebrities including Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Sara Ali Khan have since then expressed their support for the archipelago and encouraged Indians to explore its beauty.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Das, on the other hand, took a sly dig at the celebrities and their obsession to vacation in Maldives which may go kaput amid tensions between the two nations at the moment.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Das took to X to talk about Indian influencers and celebs, who had worked for weeks on their Maldives vacation pictures but were now scared to share them on social media.<br />
<br />
He tweeted on Monday, "Firstly, happy Lakshadweep is getting some love! Secondly, somewhere in the Maldives, right now, is an Indian celebrity/ influencer, who didn’t eat carbs for two weeks, took the best vacation photos ever, and is TERRIFIED to post them."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Firstly, happy Lakshadweep is getting some love! Secondly, Somewhere in the Maldives, right now, is an Indian celebrity/influencer, who didn’t eat carbs for two weeks, took the best vacation photos ever, and is TERRIFIED to post them :-)</p>
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) <a href="https://twitter.com/thevirdas/status/1744195446984028296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Das then took a jab at the celebrities who had posted similar texts about Lakshadweep to appease the authorities. "Next actor to post a honeymoon photo from Madh Island is getting a National Award. Pakka."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Next actor to post a honeymoon photo from Madh Island is getting a National Award. Pakka.</p>
— Vir Das (@thevirdas) <a href="https://twitter.com/thevirdas/status/1744277480695816662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Reacting to Vir's tweet, an X user suggested, "They can just post it saying it's Lakshadweep/ Looks almost the same; will get much more engagement right now."<br />
<br />
Another said, "Few are deleting the past ones too." One more tweeted, “One (Indian influencer/celeb) already put pics last week and now lecturing others to stay away.”<br />
<br />
Sara Ali Khan, Jahnvi Kapoor, Urvashi Rautela, John Abraham,&nbsp;Shraddha Kapoor and many other Bollywood actors posted photos of Lakshadweep amid Maldives boycott calls. The celebs joined the trend of promoting Indian tourism after prominent personalities from the Maldives mocked India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi had recently shared pictures of his trip to Lakshadweep Islands.</p>


International Emmy award-winning comedian Vir Das has commented on Indian celebrities promoting tourism in Lakshadweep Islands. Das' comments come amid tensions between India and the Maldives following a tweet by a Maldives minister slamming the picturesque islands of Lakshadweep as also disparagingly targeting PM Narendra Modi.

International Emmy award-winning comedian Vir Das has commented on Indian celebrities promoting tourism in Lakshadweep Islands. Das' comments come amid tensions between India and the Maldives following a tweet by a Maldives minister slamming the picturesque islands of Lakshadweep as also disparagingly targeting PM Narendra Modi. Several Bollywood celebrities including Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Sara Ali Khan have since then expressed their support for the archipelago and encouraged Indians to explore its beauty. Das, on the other hand, took a sly dig at the celebrities and their obsession to vacation in Maldives which may go kaput amid tensions between the two nations at the moment. Das took to X to talk about Indian influencers and celebs, who had worked for weeks on their Maldives vacation pictures but were now scared to share them on social media. He tweeted on Monday, "Firstly, happy Lakshadweep is getting some love! Secondly, somewhere in the Maldives, right now, is an Indian celebrity/ influencer, who didn’t eat carbs for two weeks, took the best vacation photos ever, and is TERRIFIED to post them." Firstly, happy Lakshadweep is getting some love! Secondly, Somewhere in the Maldives, right now, is an Indian celebrity/influencer, who didn’t eat carbs for two weeks, took the best vacation photos ever, and is TERRIFIED to post them :-) — Vir Das (@thevirdas) January 8, 2024 × Das then took a jab at the celebrities who had posted similar texts about Lakshadweep to appease the authorities. "Next actor to post a honeymoon photo from Madh Island is getting a National Award. Pakka." Next actor to post a honeymoon photo from Madh Island is getting a National Award. Pakka. — Vir Das (@thevirdas) January 8, 2024 × Reacting to Vir's tweet, an X user suggested, "They can just post it saying it's Lakshadweep/ Looks almost the same; will get much more engagement right now." Another said, "Few are deleting the past ones too." One more tweeted, “One (Indian influencer/celeb) already put pics last week and now lecturing others to stay away.” Sara Ali Khan, Jahnvi Kapoor, Urvashi Rautela, John Abraham, Shraddha Kapoor and many other Bollywood actors posted photos of Lakshadweep amid Maldives boycott calls. The celebs joined the trend of promoting Indian tourism after prominent personalities from the Maldives mocked India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi had recently shared pictures of his trip to Lakshadweep Islands.

Vir Das takes a dig at celebrities promoting Lakshadweep amid India-Maldives row

<p>After three Maldivian ministers made derogatory remarks against PM Modi, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Monday (Jan 8) summoned Maldives High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb.</p>

<p>Shaheeb arrived at the ministry in Delhi's South Block early in the morning and could be seen leaving the building a few minutes later.</p>

<p>The high-ranking&nbsp;official was summoned a day after the Indian government raised concerns over the derogatory comments made by the Maldivian ministers against PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What&nbsp;is the controversy?</strong></h2>

<p>Ever since&nbsp;PM Modi&nbsp;visited Lakshadweep - an archipelago consisting of 36 islands located in the Arabian Sea, there has been an online discourse about whether the picturesque region&nbsp;could be the next Maldives.</p>

<p>However, the discourse did not go down well with certain Maldivian government officials as well as social media users who started foul-mouthing PM Modi as well as India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mariyam Shiuna, the deputy minister of youth empowerment, information and arts referred to PM Modi as a 'clown' and a 'puppet of Israel' and posted images from his visit to the archipelago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“What a clown. The puppet of Israel Mr Narendra diver with a life jacket #VisitMaldives,” Shiuna posted on X.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-raises-concerns-over-derogatory-comments-by-maldives-minister-against-pm-modi-677434"><strong>Also read | Exclusive: India raises concerns over derogatory comments by Maldives minister against PM Modi</strong></a></p>

<p>Zahid Rameez, a Council member of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) also targeted India by posting: “The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is delusional. How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall.”</p>

<p>Some other Maldivian leaders&nbsp;followed the trend and posted similar racist tirades masquerading as digs at India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-could-lakshadweep-replace-maldives-as-tourist-haven-677005" target="_blank"><strong>Watch | Gravitas | Could Lakshadweep replace Maldives as tourist haven?</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-could-lakshadweep-replace-maldives-as-tourist-haven-677005/embed?autoplay=0" title="live tv" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Ministers suspended</strong></h2>

<p>After the Indian side raised concerns, the Maldivian government on Sunday (Jan 7) suspended Shiuna, Malsha Shareef and Hassan Zihan over their derogatory comments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an official statement, the Maldives foreign ministry clarified that these opinions were personal and did not reflect the nation's stance.</p>

<p>"The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives," read the statement.</p>

<p>Maldives&nbsp;relies heavily on Indian tourists to keep its industry buoyant.&nbsp;According to a data, at the end of December 2023, as many as 209,198 Indian tourists arrived in Maldives for recreational purposes, making it the biggest demography to visit the island nation. Hence, irking New Delhi may have serious ramifications for Maldives.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


After three Maldivian ministers made derogatory remarks against PM Modi, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Monday (Jan 8) summoned Maldives High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb.

After three Maldivian ministers made derogatory remarks against PM Modi, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Monday (Jan 8) summoned Maldives High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb. Shaheeb arrived at the ministry in Delhi's South Block early in the morning and could be seen leaving the building a few minutes later. The high-ranking official was summoned a day after the Indian government raised concerns over the derogatory comments made by the Maldivian ministers against PM Modi. What is the controversy? Ever since PM Modi visited Lakshadweep - an archipelago consisting of 36 islands located in the Arabian Sea, there has been an online discourse about whether the picturesque region could be the next Maldives. However, the discourse did not go down well with certain Maldivian government officials as well as social media users who started foul-mouthing PM Modi as well as India. Mariyam Shiuna, the deputy minister of youth empowerment, information and arts referred to PM Modi as a 'clown' and a 'puppet of Israel' and posted images from his visit to the archipelago. “What a clown. The puppet of Israel Mr Narendra diver with a life jacket #VisitMaldives,” Shiuna posted on X. Also read | Exclusive: India raises concerns over derogatory comments by Maldives minister against PM Modi Zahid Rameez, a Council member of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) also targeted India by posting: “The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is delusional. How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall.” Some other Maldivian leaders followed the trend and posted similar racist tirades masquerading as digs at India. Watch | Gravitas | Could Lakshadweep replace Maldives as tourist haven? Ministers suspended After the Indian side raised concerns, the Maldivian government on Sunday (Jan 7) suspended Shiuna, Malsha Shareef and Hassan Zihan over their derogatory comments. In an official statement, the Maldives foreign ministry clarified that these opinions were personal and did not reflect the nation's stance. "The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives," read the statement. Maldives relies heavily on Indian tourists to keep its industry buoyant. According to a data, at the end of December 2023, as many as 209,198 Indian tourists arrived in Maldives for recreational purposes, making it the biggest demography to visit the island nation. Hence, irking New Delhi may have serious ramifications for Maldives. (With inputs from agencies)

India summons Maldives high commissioner over derogatory remarks against PM Modi

<p>Amid the raging controversy over the derogatory remarks by Maldivian politicians against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his visit to the Lakshadweep island, many Indian celebrities have spoken out, condemning the shameful comments by the minister as they urged millions of Indians to explore Indian Islands.<br />
<br />
While the controversy is raging all over, on Sunday, celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Kangana Ranaut, John Abraham and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar shared support with #ExploreIndianIslands as they praised the mystic beauty of Lakshadweep.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who never shies away from putting forward his view, took to X to condemn the derogatory comments from prominent public figures of Maldives.<br />
<br />
"Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists. We are good to our neighbors but why should we tolerate such unprovoked hate? I've visited the Maldives many times and always praised it, but dignity first. Let us decide to #ExploreIndianIslands and support our own tourism," Kumar posted on X.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists.<br />
We are good to our neighbors but<br />
why should we tolerate such… <a href="https://t.co/DXRqkQFguN">pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN</a></p>
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1743910499274924419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Akshay rang the New Year with his entire family in the Maldives.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Praising the beauty of Lakshadweep, actor Salman Khan wrote, "It is so cool to see our Hon PM Narendrabhai Modi at the beautiful clean n stunning beaches of Lakshadweep, and the best part is that yeh hamare India mein hain."&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists.<br />
We are good to our neighbors but<br />
why should we tolerate such… <a href="https://t.co/DXRqkQFguN">pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN</a></p>
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1743910499274924419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Actress Shraddha Kapoor praised the pristine beaches of the Lakshadweep.&nbsp; "All these images and memes making me super FOMO now. Lakshadweep has such pristine beaches and coastlines, thriving local culture, I'm on the verge of booking an impulse chhutti&nbsp;This year, why not #ExploreIndianIslands," she wrote on X.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All these images and memes making me super FOMO now 😍<br />
Lakshadweep has such pristine beaches and coastlines, thriving local culture, I’m on the verge of booking an impulse chhutti ❤️<br />
This year, why not <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExploreIndianIslands?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ExploreIndianIslands</a> <a href="https://t.co/fTWmZTycpO">pic.twitter.com/fTWmZTycpO</a></p>
— Shraddha (@ShraddhaKapoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShraddhaKapoor/status/1743881298522083626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Check all the posts here:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Smell?? Permanent smell?? What!!! Suffering from massive Muslim phobia, even though belonging to the same community. Lakshadweep consists of 98 percent of Muslim population, this prominent public figure from Maldives calling them smelly and lowly is rather racist and uninformed.… <a href="https://t.co/hLbQvD5RYD">pic.twitter.com/hLbQvD5RYD</a></p>
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) <a href="https://twitter.com/KanganaTeam/status/1743923026515964229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With the amazing Indian hospitality, the idea of “Atithi Devo Bhava” and a vast marine life to explore. Lakshwadeep is the place to go.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/exploreindianislands?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#exploreindianislands</a> <a href="https://t.co/CA1d9r0QZ5">pic.twitter.com/CA1d9r0QZ5</a></p>
— John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheJohnAbraham/status/1743894445177868758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The rift started after Maldivian Minister Mariyam Shiuna made disparaging remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to&nbsp;Lakshwadeep.<br />
<br />
Shiuna, who is the Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment in the Maldives, called PM Modi 'clown' and 'puppet of Israel' on X. However, her post was quickly taken down from the site.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Reacting to the derogatory remarks, the Maldives government distanced itself from the controversy, saying,&nbsp;''These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives.''<br />
<br />
In a statement, the Government of Maldives said that it is aware of the derogatory remarks made by the minister on social media platforms. "These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives. The Government believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners," the statement said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Maldives National Party condemns racist and derogatory comments made by a government official against a foreign head of State. This is unacceptable. We urge the government to take necessary action against those involved.</p>
— Maldives National Party (@MNP_Secretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/MNP_Secretariat/status/1743866346872676411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>On Sunday evening, all the three ministers,&nbsp;Shiuna, Malsha and Hassan Zihan&nbsp;were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-govt-suspends-ministers-who-made-racist-remarks-against-indians-to-target-pm-modis-lakshadweep-visit-677475">suspended</a> by the government over derogatory remarks made about Indian PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an official statement, Maldives government spokesperson Ibrahim Khaleel said, "All government officials responsible for the comments have been suspended from their posts, effective immediately."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amid the raging controversy over the derogatory remarks by Maldivian politicians against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his visit to the Lakshadweep island, many Indian celebrities have spoken out, condemning the shameful comments by the minister as they urged millions of Indians to explore Indian Islands.

Amid the raging controversy over the derogatory remarks by Maldivian politicians against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his visit to the Lakshadweep island, many Indian celebrities have spoken out, condemning the shameful comments by the minister as they urged millions of Indians to explore Indian Islands. While the controversy is raging all over, on Sunday, celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Kangana Ranaut, John Abraham and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar shared support with #ExploreIndianIslands as they praised the mystic beauty of Lakshadweep. Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who never shies away from putting forward his view, took to X to condemn the derogatory comments from prominent public figures of Maldives. "Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists. We are good to our neighbors but why should we tolerate such unprovoked hate? I've visited the Maldives many times and always praised it, but dignity first. Let us decide to #ExploreIndianIslands and support our own tourism," Kumar posted on X. Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists. We are good to our neighbors but why should we tolerate such… pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 7, 2024 × Akshay rang the New Year with his entire family in the Maldives. Praising the beauty of Lakshadweep, actor Salman Khan wrote, "It is so cool to see our Hon PM Narendrabhai Modi at the beautiful clean n stunning beaches of Lakshadweep, and the best part is that yeh hamare India mein hain." Came across comments from prominent public figures from Maldives passing hateful and racist comments on Indians. Surprised that they are doing this to a country that sends them the maximum number of tourists. We are good to our neighbors but why should we tolerate such… pic.twitter.com/DXRqkQFguN — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 7, 2024 × Actress Shraddha Kapoor praised the pristine beaches of the Lakshadweep. "All these images and memes making me super FOMO now. Lakshadweep has such pristine beaches and coastlines, thriving local culture, I'm on the verge of booking an impulse chhutti This year, why not #ExploreIndianIslands," she wrote on X. All these images and memes making me super FOMO now 😍 Lakshadweep has such pristine beaches and coastlines, thriving local culture, I’m on the verge of booking an impulse chhutti ❤️ This year, why not #ExploreIndianIslands pic.twitter.com/fTWmZTycpO — Shraddha (@ShraddhaKapoor) January 7, 2024 × Check all the posts here: Smell?? Permanent smell?? What!!! Suffering from massive Muslim phobia, even though belonging to the same community. Lakshadweep consists of 98 percent of Muslim population, this prominent public figure from Maldives calling them smelly and lowly is rather racist and uninformed.… pic.twitter.com/hLbQvD5RYD — Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) January 7, 2024 × With the amazing Indian hospitality, the idea of “Atithi Devo Bhava” and a vast marine life to explore. Lakshwadeep is the place to go.#exploreindianislands pic.twitter.com/CA1d9r0QZ5 — John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) January 7, 2024 × The rift started after Maldivian Minister Mariyam Shiuna made disparaging remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshwadeep. Shiuna, who is the Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment in the Maldives, called PM Modi 'clown' and 'puppet of Israel' on X. However, her post was quickly taken down from the site. Reacting to the derogatory remarks, the Maldives government distanced itself from the controversy, saying, ''These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives.'' In a statement, the Government of Maldives said that it is aware of the derogatory remarks made by the minister on social media platforms. "These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives. The Government believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners," the statement said. Maldives National Party condemns racist and derogatory comments made by a government official against a foreign head of State. This is unacceptable. We urge the government to take necessary action against those involved. — Maldives National Party (@MNP_Secretariat) January 7, 2024 × On Sunday evening, all the three ministers, Shiuna, Malsha and Hassan Zihan were suspended by the government over derogatory remarks made about Indian PM Modi. In an official statement, Maldives government spokesperson Ibrahim Khaleel said, "All government officials responsible for the comments have been suspended from their posts, effective immediately." (With inputs from agencies)

Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan and other celebs laud PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep amid Maldives row

<p>Nobody could have predicted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s one visit to Lakshadweep islands would hit a raw nerve in Maldivian leaders, with many of them taking to X to post derogatory remarks against India and top Indian leaders.</p>

<p>However, one such leader of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives ended up embarrassing himself big time after he mistakenly posted pictures of French Polynesia’s Bora Bora islands in his distasteful attempt to put the Indian archipelago down.</p>

<p>Maaiz Mahmood, who claims to be a ‘teacher by profession’ and a member of the ruling party in his X bio, wrote on the social media platform, “Sun set in Maldives. &nbsp;You won't see this in Lakshadweep.” He also tagged Indian PM Modi’s X account in his post. Along with his post, he attached a photo from the Bora Bora islands, claiming it to be from the Maldives.</p>

<p>However, his post was soon flagged as false by community notes.</p>

<p><img alt="Image" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GDOAN6kbUAAR2G8?format=jpg&amp;name=medium" /></p>

<p>“This is not Maldives. This is Bora Bora in French Polynesia,” the community note read, appearing just below Mahmood’s post.</p>

<p>It was not long before Mahmood found himself getting roasted right, left and centre by Indians on X.</p>

<p>“Because sun doesn’t set anywhere else on earth,” quipped one user. “It’s Bora Bora Island in French Polynesia, not Maldives. &nbsp;Stop lying,” wrote another. “Maybe the sun has set on tourism in the Maldives,” a third user warned the tiny nation.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, some unverified reports on Indian social media claimed that more than 8,000 hotel bookings and 2,500 flight tickets were cancelled after a top Maldivian minister allegedly abused the Indian PM.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | Could Lakshadweep replace Maldives as tourist haven?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-could-lakshadweep-replace-maldives-as-tourist-haven-677005/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, allegedly referred to the Indian prime minister as a ‘clown’ and a ‘puppet of Israel’.</p>

<p>However, the Maldivian government later distanced itself from the statement and stated that “these opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-raises-concerns-over-derogatory-comments-by-maldives-minister-against-pm-modi-677434"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Exclusive: India raises concerns over derogatory comments by Maldives minister against PM Modi</strong></a></p>

<p>“The Government believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners," the statement said.</p>


Nobody could have predicted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s one visit to Lakshadweep islands would hit a raw nerve in Maldivian leaders, with many of them taking to X to post derogatory remarks against India and top Indian leaders.

Nobody could have predicted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s one visit to Lakshadweep islands would hit a raw nerve in Maldivian leaders, with many of them taking to X to post derogatory remarks against India and top Indian leaders. However, one such leader of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives ended up embarrassing himself big time after he mistakenly posted pictures of French Polynesia’s Bora Bora islands in his distasteful attempt to put the Indian archipelago down. Maaiz Mahmood, who claims to be a ‘teacher by profession’ and a member of the ruling party in his X bio, wrote on the social media platform, “Sun set in Maldives. You won't see this in Lakshadweep.” He also tagged Indian PM Modi’s X account in his post. Along with his post, he attached a photo from the Bora Bora islands, claiming it to be from the Maldives. However, his post was soon flagged as false by community notes. “This is not Maldives. This is Bora Bora in French Polynesia,” the community note read, appearing just below Mahmood’s post. It was not long before Mahmood found himself getting roasted right, left and centre by Indians on X. “Because sun doesn’t set anywhere else on earth,” quipped one user. “It’s Bora Bora Island in French Polynesia, not Maldives. Stop lying,” wrote another. “Maybe the sun has set on tourism in the Maldives,” a third user warned the tiny nation. Meanwhile, some unverified reports on Indian social media claimed that more than 8,000 hotel bookings and 2,500 flight tickets were cancelled after a top Maldivian minister allegedly abused the Indian PM. Watch: Gravitas | Could Lakshadweep replace Maldives as tourist haven? × The Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, allegedly referred to the Indian prime minister as a ‘clown’ and a ‘puppet of Israel’. However, the Maldivian government later distanced itself from the statement and stated that “these opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives.” Also read: Exclusive: India raises concerns over derogatory comments by Maldives minister against PM Modi “The Government believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised in a democratic and responsible manner, and in ways that do not spread hatred, negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners," the statement said.

Maldivian leader roasted after he mistakenly shares Bora Bora photo to counter Lakshadweep

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidfLSBrlvYcA9u" /><meta charset="utf-8" />The official websites of the Maldivian president's office, the foreign ministry and the tourism ministry were restored in the early hours of Sunday (Jan 7) after being down since last night in a suspected cyberattack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The president's office had taken to its social media handles to report the unexpected disruption to the official websites. It informed that the National Centre for Information Technology and other relevant entities were actively working to resolve the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Please note that the President’s Office website is currently facing an unexpected technical disruption. The National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT) and other relevant entities are actively working on resolving this promptly. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Thank you for your understanding and patience."</p>

<p><img src="https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/indiatoday/styles/medium_crop_simple/public/2024-01/s2.jpg?VersionId=bKu1buHN4M3J83tozCwpR9C0Eh74Ufvw&amp;size=750:*" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-could-lakshadweep-replace-maldives-as-tourist-haven-677005" target="_blank"><strong>Watch | Gravitas | Could Lakshadweep replace Maldives as tourist haven?</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-could-lakshadweep-replace-maldives-as-tourist-haven-677005/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Lakshadweep vs Maldives debate</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, the crashing of the government websites came hours after some Maldivian officials targeted India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>Ever since the Indian PM visited Lakshadweep - an archipelago consisting of 36 islands located in the Arabian Sea, there has been an online discourse about whether the picturesque region&nbsp;could be the next Maldives.&nbsp;The term was ‘googled’ by over 50,000 users on the second day of PM Modi’s Jan 2-3 visit to the territory.</p>

<p>However, the discourse did not go down well with certain Maldivian government officials as well as social media users who started foul-mouthing PM Modi as well as India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mariyam Shiuna, the deputy minister of youth empowerment, information and arts referred to PM Modi as a 'clown' and a 'puppet of Israel' after he posted images from his visit to the archipelago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“What a clown. The puppet of Israel Mr Narendra diver with a life jacket #VisitMaldives,” Shiuna posted on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-jittery-as-lakshadweep-remains-top-trend-in-india-for-second-consecutive-day-677193" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Maldives jittery as ‘Lakshadweep’ remains top trend in India for second consecutive day</strong></a></p>

<p>Zahid Rameez, a Council member of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) also targeted India by posting: “The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is delusional. How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall.”</p>

<p>Maldives&nbsp;relies heavily on Indian tourists to keep its industry buoyant.&nbsp;According to a data, at the end of December 2023, as many as 209,198 Indian tourists arrived in Maldives for recreational purposes, making it the biggest demography to visit the island nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The official websites of the Maldivian president's office, the foreign ministry and the tourism ministry were restored in the early hours of Sunday (Jan 7) after being down since last night in a suspected cyberattack.

The official websites of the Maldivian president's office, the foreign ministry and the tourism ministry were restored in the early hours of Sunday (Jan 7) after being down since last night in a suspected cyberattack. The president's office had taken to its social media handles to report the unexpected disruption to the official websites. It informed that the National Centre for Information Technology and other relevant entities were actively working to resolve the issue. "Please note that the President’s Office website is currently facing an unexpected technical disruption. The National Centre for Information Technology (NCIT) and other relevant entities are actively working on resolving this promptly. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Thank you for your understanding and patience." Watch | Gravitas | Could Lakshadweep replace Maldives as tourist haven? × Lakshadweep vs Maldives debate Notably, the crashing of the government websites came hours after some Maldivian officials targeted India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ever since the Indian PM visited Lakshadweep - an archipelago consisting of 36 islands located in the Arabian Sea, there has been an online discourse about whether the picturesque region could be the next Maldives. The term was ‘googled’ by over 50,000 users on the second day of PM Modi’s Jan 2-3 visit to the territory. However, the discourse did not go down well with certain Maldivian government officials as well as social media users who started foul-mouthing PM Modi as well as India. Mariyam Shiuna, the deputy minister of youth empowerment, information and arts referred to PM Modi as a 'clown' and a 'puppet of Israel' after he posted images from his visit to the archipelago. “What a clown. The puppet of Israel Mr Narendra diver with a life jacket #VisitMaldives,” Shiuna posted on X. Also read | Maldives jittery as ‘Lakshadweep’ remains top trend in India for second consecutive day Zahid Rameez, a Council member of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) also targeted India by posting: “The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is delusional. How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall.” Maldives relies heavily on Indian tourists to keep its industry buoyant. According to a data, at the end of December 2023, as many as 209,198 Indian tourists arrived in Maldives for recreational purposes, making it the biggest demography to visit the island nation. (With inputs from agencies)

Maldivian government websites restored after outage due to suspected cyberattack

<p>‘Lakshadweep’ remained the most searched keyword on the internet in India for the second consecutive day on Friday (January 5) since Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Union Territory earlier this week and shared some photos from the picturesque archipelago. The term was ‘googled’ by over 50,000 users on the second day of PM Modi’s Jan 2-3 visit to the territory.</p>

<p>While posting his pictures across social media platforms, PM Modi expressed his continued admiration for the "stunning" beauty of the islands and the "incredible warmth" of its people.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | Could Lakshadweep replace Maldives as tourist haven?</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-could-lakshadweep-replace-maldives-as-tourist-haven-677005/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The PM visited the UT to inaugurate the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fibre Connection and also lay the foundation stone for the renovation of the primary healthcare facility and five model Anganwadi centres in the region.</p>

<h2><strong>A trip to showcase the hidden beauty of Lakshadweep to the world</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi’s trip to Lakshadweep had nothing in common with his other official engagements across the country. Not only did he lay the foundation for projects worth INR 1,150 crore but also showcase the serene beauty of the area aimed at unlocking its great tourism potential.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The most Googled term following PM Modi's images going viral is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lakshadweep?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lakshadweep</a>. An Ambassador is unnecessary when we have our esteemed PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Ji.<br />
<br />
Our own <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maldives?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maldives</a> in India 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/Sk6XwrwbqD">pic.twitter.com/Sk6XwrwbqD</a></p>
— Sajid Yousuf Shah (@TheSkandar) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSkandar/status/1743528588899447090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The breathtaking beauty of the archipelago resonated well with people across India, who wasted no time in looking for more information about the islands.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Modi tries his hand at snorkelling 🤿 in Lakshadweep <a href="https://t.co/8Imbn4AA5E">pic.twitter.com/8Imbn4AA5E</a></p>
— Shehzad Jai Hind (@Shehzad_Ind) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shehzad_Ind/status/1742838767264629028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Google Trends showed ‘Lakshadweep tour’ and ‘Lakshadweep packages’ were among the top trending keywords in India even on Saturday (Jan 6).</p>
<img alt="lakshadweep" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ab5cf977-6bb4-4b21-9459-9876ba21a17f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture_61.JPG" />
<h2><strong>Govt’s special focus on Lakshadweep</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi in his post on X said that his government was committed “to building futuristic infrastructure in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.” He added that efforts were being made to improve Lakshadweep’s healthcare facilities, internet availability and connectivity; all while ensuring the vibrant local culture is preserved.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/extreme-cold-freezes-srinagars-dal-lake-turning-it-into-a-winter-spectacle-for-tourists-676402"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Extreme cold freezes Srinagar's Dal lake, turning it into a winter spectacle for tourists</strong></a></p>

<p>"Our focus in Lakshadweep is to uplift lives through enhanced development. In addition to creating futuristic infrastructure, it is also about creating opportunities for better healthcare, faster internet and drinking water, while protecting as well celebrating the vibrant local culture. The projects that were inaugurated reflect this spirit," PM Modi added.</p>

<h2><strong>Politicians in Maldives ‘jittery’</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi’s trip to Lakshadweep also fuelled this narrative on the internet that India was trying to boost tourism in the archipelago at the cost of Maldives, making some Maldivian politicians anxious.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nobody was talking about Lakshadweep, one visit by PM Modi and they started comparing it with Maldives. That's a checkmate moment.😂🔥 <a href="https://t.co/7U7U2KY7sW">pic.twitter.com/7U7U2KY7sW</a></p>
— Krishna (@Atheist_Krishna) <a href="https://twitter.com/Atheist_Krishna/status/1743528911768854862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Zahid Rameez, a member of the Progressive Party of Maldives, posted on X, “The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is delusional. How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is delusional. How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall. 🤷🏻‍♂️ <a href="https://t.co/AzWMkcxdcf">https://t.co/AzWMkcxdcf</a></p>
— Zahid Rameez (@xahidcreator) <a href="https://twitter.com/xahidcreator/status/1743093211437179133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


‘Lakshadweep’ remained the most searched keyword on the internet in India for the second consecutive day on Friday (January 5) since Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Union Territory earlier this week and shared some photos from the picturesque archipelago.

‘Lakshadweep’ remained the most searched keyword on the internet in India for the second consecutive day on Friday (January 5) since Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Union Territory earlier this week and shared some photos from the picturesque archipelago. The term was ‘googled’ by over 50,000 users on the second day of PM Modi’s Jan 2-3 visit to the territory. While posting his pictures across social media platforms, PM Modi expressed his continued admiration for the "stunning" beauty of the islands and the "incredible warmth" of its people. Watch: Gravitas | Could Lakshadweep replace Maldives as tourist haven? × The PM visited the UT to inaugurate the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fibre Connection and also lay the foundation stone for the renovation of the primary healthcare facility and five model Anganwadi centres in the region. A trip to showcase the hidden beauty of Lakshadweep to the world PM Modi’s trip to Lakshadweep had nothing in common with his other official engagements across the country. Not only did he lay the foundation for projects worth INR 1,150 crore but also showcase the serene beauty of the area aimed at unlocking its great tourism potential. The most Googled term following PM Modi's images going viral is #Lakshadweep. An Ambassador is unnecessary when we have our esteemed PM @narendramodi Ji. Our own #Maldives in India 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Sk6XwrwbqD — Sajid Yousuf Shah (@TheSkandar) January 6, 2024 × The breathtaking beauty of the archipelago resonated well with people across India, who wasted no time in looking for more information about the islands. PM Modi tries his hand at snorkelling 🤿 in Lakshadweep pic.twitter.com/8Imbn4AA5E — Shehzad Jai Hind (@Shehzad_Ind) January 4, 2024 × Google Trends showed ‘Lakshadweep tour’ and ‘Lakshadweep packages’ were among the top trending keywords in India even on Saturday (Jan 6). Govt’s special focus on Lakshadweep PM Modi in his post on X said that his government was committed “to building futuristic infrastructure in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.” He added that efforts were being made to improve Lakshadweep’s healthcare facilities, internet availability and connectivity; all while ensuring the vibrant local culture is preserved. Also read: Extreme cold freezes Srinagar's Dal lake, turning it into a winter spectacle for tourists "Our focus in Lakshadweep is to uplift lives through enhanced development. In addition to creating futuristic infrastructure, it is also about creating opportunities for better healthcare, faster internet and drinking water, while protecting as well celebrating the vibrant local culture. The projects that were inaugurated reflect this spirit," PM Modi added. Politicians in Maldives ‘jittery’ PM Modi’s trip to Lakshadweep also fuelled this narrative on the internet that India was trying to boost tourism in the archipelago at the cost of Maldives, making some Maldivian politicians anxious. Nobody was talking about Lakshadweep, one visit by PM Modi and they started comparing it with Maldives. That's a checkmate moment.😂🔥 pic.twitter.com/7U7U2KY7sW — Krishna (@Atheist_Krishna) January 6, 2024 × Zahid Rameez, a member of the Progressive Party of Maldives, posted on X, “The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is delusional. How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall.” The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is delusional. How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall. 🤷🏻‍♂️ https://t.co/AzWMkcxdcf — Zahid Rameez (@xahidcreator) January 5, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

Maldives jittery as ‘Lakshadweep’ remains top trend in India for second consecutive day

In Pics | PM Modi goes snorkelling in Lakshadweep

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidoROPCHtnhjRM" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>The Dornier-228 Maritime patrol aircraft of the Indian Navy made history by performing a night landing at the country's only airstrip in the Lakshadweep archipelago, on the western seaboard. Located nearly 460 kilometres west of Kerala's Kochi city, the Agatti atoll houses the lone airstrip available in the union territory of Lakshadweep.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the airstrip there, operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) was inaugurated in April 1988 for the operation of Dornier-228, the operations were extended to the ATR-72 aircraft in September 2010. However, owing to the short runway length and limited airfield services available, both civil and military aircraft operated only during daylight hours.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The successful night trials paves way for future operations of DO-228 aircraft from this airfield by night &amp; will boost <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannavy</a>'s efforts towards round the clock <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/maritime?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#maritime</a> surveillance &amp; support to the islands.(2/2)<a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a><a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannavy</a><a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpokespersonMoD</a><a href="https://twitter.com/prafulkpatel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@prafulkpatel</a> <a href="https://t.co/inTobHjuWw">pic.twitter.com/inTobHjuWw</a></p>
— PRO Defence Kochi (@DefencePROkochi) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefencePROkochi/status/1580877513546690561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Under the aegis of the Indian Navy, the Southern Naval Command (the lone training command of the Indian Navy) took the initiative to overcome this limitation and worked with AAI and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).</p>

<p>The maiden night landing was successfully carried out on October 13. As part of the trials, multiple approaches and landings were carried out from both sides of the runway to validate the suitability of operations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-heaviest-rocket-to-have-maiden-commercial-flight-on-oct-23rd-36-satellites-to-be-launched-525422"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;ISRO to launch 36 'OneWeb' satellites in maiden commercial flight of GSLV Mk III on Oct. 23</strong></a></p>

<p>The successful night trials would enable future night operations of the Navy's Dornier-228 aircraft and boost the Navy's efforts towards round-the-clock maritime surveillance and support to the islands.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Dornier-228 Maritime patrol aircraft of the Indian Navy made history by performing a night landing at the country's only airstrip in the Lakshadweep archipelago, on the western seaboard.

The Dornier-228 Maritime patrol aircraft of the Indian Navy made history by performing a night landing at the country's only airstrip in the Lakshadweep archipelago, on the western seaboard. Located nearly 460 kilometres west of Kerala's Kochi city, the Agatti atoll houses the lone airstrip available in the union territory of Lakshadweep. While the airstrip there, operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) was inaugurated in April 1988 for the operation of Dornier-228, the operations were extended to the ATR-72 aircraft in September 2010. However, owing to the short runway length and limited airfield services available, both civil and military aircraft operated only during daylight hours. The successful night trials paves way for future operations of DO-228 aircraft from this airfield by night & will boost @indiannavy's efforts towards round the clock #maritime surveillance & support to the islands.(2/2)@DefenceMinIndia@indiannavy@SpokespersonMoD@prafulkpatel pic.twitter.com/inTobHjuWw — PRO Defence Kochi (@DefencePROkochi) October 14, 2022 × Under the aegis of the Indian Navy, the Southern Naval Command (the lone training command of the Indian Navy) took the initiative to overcome this limitation and worked with AAI and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The maiden night landing was successfully carried out on October 13. As part of the trials, multiple approaches and landings were carried out from both sides of the runway to validate the suitability of operations. Read more: ISRO to launch 36 'OneWeb' satellites in maiden commercial flight of GSLV Mk III on Oct. 23 The successful night trials would enable future night operations of the Navy's Dornier-228 aircraft and boost the Navy's efforts towards round-the-clock maritime surveillance and support to the islands. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Navy's Dornier patrol aircraft makes maiden night landing at Lakshadweep archipelago

With 3 conflicts looming in 3 different parts of the world, America's global leadership is being put to the test. To overcome these conflicts, Joe Biden will need allies. But Washington's recent adventurism near Lakshadweep sends mixed signals. WION's Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: US needs to reboot alliance politics

<p>The unauthorised passage of a US naval ship through India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has created a highly avoidable controversy, which prima-facie may appear to be a case of the conflict arising out of the interpretation and application of international and national laws but in fact, there is more than what meets the eyes and remains to be revealed.</p>

<p>The US 7th Fleet Commander announced (from an unspecified location in Arabian Sea) that “on 7th April 2021, the USS John Paul Jones (DDG53) (a guided-missile destroyer) asserted navigational rights and freedoms approximately 130 nautical miles west of the Lakshadweep Islands, inside India’s exclusive economic zone, without requesting India’s prior consent”. It said its act was “consistent with international law”.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-navy-conducts-patrol-in-indian-eez-without-consent-376453/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The statement did not stop here but went on to add that India’s requirement of “prior consent for military exercises or manoeuvres in its exclusive economic zone or continental shelf”, was &nbsp;“inconsistent with international law”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As if to add insult to injury, the US Navy asserted that the Freedom of Navigation Operation (FONOP) “upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging India’s excessive maritime claims”. Placing restrictions on the passage of ships through its territorial sea waters and EEZ etc. by any state is described by the USA as “excessive maritime claims”&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is apparent from the official statement that the US Navy’s decision not to send a prior notice or seek India’s prior consent was by design and not by default or any oversight. Besides, asserting the freedom of navigation in international waters, the US objective was also to challenge India’s national laws and stated position on the requirement of obtaining prior consent and also to act in defiance of India’s national laws. A serious enough matter.</p>

<p>Yet, India’s public response was reasonably guarded, dignified and restrained. According to an official statement by the Foreign Office (April 9), India has conveyed its “concerns regarding this passage through our EEZ to the Government of USA through diplomatic channels.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>No further details were made public.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Read |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-protests-us-navys-transit-through-its-exclusive-economic-zone-376721"><strong>India protests US Navy's transit through its exclusive economic zone</strong></a><br />
<br />
However, India has countered the US position by stating that the “Government of India’s stated position on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is that the convention does not authorise other states to carry out in the Exclusive Economic Zone and on the continental shelf, military exercises or manoeuvres, in particular, those involving the use of weapons or explosives, without the consent of the coastal state”.</p>

<p>The Statement also puts on record that the ship’s movements were being monitored throughout, implying that the Indian Navy was alert and not caught by surprise.</p>

<p>The US Navy has repeatedly justified its act as being consistent with “international law”. The UNCLOS 1982 is the only well-established international law on the subject under reference. Interestingly– or rather ironically- the US has not yet ratified UNCLOS, though it claims to adhere to several of its principles. &nbsp;</p>

<p>India is a signatory to UNCLOS and has also ratified it. In addition, there is national legislation governing the coastal regions within the sovereignty of India known as the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and others under Maritime Zones Act, 1976.</p>

<p>Section 4(2) of this act allows foreign warships including submarines and other underwater vehicles to enter or pass through the territorial waters after giving prior notice to the Central Government. They are also required to navigate on the surface and show their flags.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India is not the only country that imposes restrictions on the innocent passage of foreign military ships.</p>

<p>Even though one of the fundamental principles of UNCLOS is that all ships of all states, including both civilian and military vessels, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea of other states, the fact of the matter is that not all countries agree with this interpretation, particularly where the innocent passage of military vessels is concerned. &nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a briefing paper of June 2017 by the Harvard Kennedy School, titled “Freedom of Navigation in South China Sea: A Practical Guide", over 40 states impose restrictions on the innocent passage of military ships, including requiring permission or notice prior to transit under innocent passage.</p>

<p>The significance of this episode is not only in the legal aspects of the case. The cause of serious concern is the arrogant manner in which the US Navy has acted deliberately to challenge India’s position and has also gone public without caring for the implications.</p>

<p>The USA is known to challenge the “excessive maritime claims” by other states either through diplomatic communications, or bilateral/multilateral discussions or operational assertions. It is not clear as to whether the USA has exhausted the first two options with India before opting for “operational assertion” on April 7. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Most probably not.</p>

<p>As two sovereign countries, India and the USA have the legitimate right to differ with each other on any given matter.</p>

<p>However, the irresponsible and amateurish manner in which the US Navy decided to highlight this difference of opinion and enforce its own position and make it public is in complete contrast with the rapid growth in India-US ties culminating into “comprehensive global strategic partnership”; this is true in particular in defence and security areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For instance, in 2016, the United States designated India as a Major Defence Partner; in 2018, India was elevated to Strategic Trade Authorization Tier 1 status, which allows India to receive license-free access to a wide range of military and dual-use technologies regulated by the US Department of Commerce.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India and US have concluded the four defence and security related foundational agreements namely Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), Communications, Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), the Industrial Security Agreement (ISA) and Basic Exchange and Communication Agreement (BECA).</p>

<p>The US’s total defence trade with India has increased from near zero in 2008 to over $20 billion in 2020. &nbsp;The two countries have been participating in regular joint multilateral military exercises such as Malabar and tri-services exercises e.g. Triumph.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is noteworthy that the incident took place in close heels of the Quad Summit (March 13) when both India and USA (along with Australia and Japan) reiterated their commitment to freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region which they would like to see as open, free and inclusive, where the rule of law prevails.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Further, in the first outreach by the Biden Administration, the US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin paid a three-day visit to India from March 19, 2021, during which he termed India as a “great partner” and reaffirmed the importance which the USA attaches to India in promoting peace and stability in Indo-Pacific region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US fully realises the important role which only India can play in support of the US plans to contain China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the above backdrop, the manner in which the US Navy has conducted itself publically is beyond comprehension but for sure objectionable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is difficult to digest- as being speculated by some international affairs analysts- that India was targeted with the objective of sending a message to China whose assertive, aggressive and expansionist behaviour in the Indo-Pacific is of concern to USA as well as many other countries in the region, including India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It would be even more absurd to suggest that it was an operation jointly scripted by the USA and India to target a common adversary namely China.</p>

<p>The canvas of the Indo-US relations at the moment is extremely broad; this incident is, therefore, unlikely to cause any serious dent. It is important at the same time that the required measures are taken immediately to prevent the recurrence of such or similar incidents. A publicised damage control measure by the US Navy would be a bonus.</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></p>


The unauthorised passage of a US naval ship through India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has created a highly avoidable controversy, which prima-facie may appear to be a case of the conflict arising out of the interpretation and application of international and national laws but in fact, there is more than what meets the eyes and remains to be revealed.

The unauthorised passage of a US naval ship through India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has created a highly avoidable controversy, which prima-facie may appear to be a case of the conflict arising out of the interpretation and application of international and national laws but in fact, there is more than what meets the eyes and remains to be revealed. The US 7th Fleet Commander announced (from an unspecified location in Arabian Sea) that “on 7th April 2021, the USS John Paul Jones (DDG53) (a guided-missile destroyer) asserted navigational rights and freedoms approximately 130 nautical miles west of the Lakshadweep Islands, inside India’s exclusive economic zone, without requesting India’s prior consent”. It said its act was “consistent with international law”. × The statement did not stop here but went on to add that India’s requirement of “prior consent for military exercises or manoeuvres in its exclusive economic zone or continental shelf”, was “inconsistent with international law”. As if to add insult to injury, the US Navy asserted that the Freedom of Navigation Operation (FONOP) “upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging India’s excessive maritime claims”. Placing restrictions on the passage of ships through its territorial sea waters and EEZ etc. by any state is described by the USA as “excessive maritime claims” It is apparent from the official statement that the US Navy’s decision not to send a prior notice or seek India’s prior consent was by design and not by default or any oversight. Besides, asserting the freedom of navigation in international waters, the US objective was also to challenge India’s national laws and stated position on the requirement of obtaining prior consent and also to act in defiance of India’s national laws. A serious enough matter. Yet, India’s public response was reasonably guarded, dignified and restrained. According to an official statement by the Foreign Office (April 9), India has conveyed its “concerns regarding this passage through our EEZ to the Government of USA through diplomatic channels.” No further details were made public. Read | India protests US Navy's transit through its exclusive economic zone However, India has countered the US position by stating that the “Government of India’s stated position on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is that the convention does not authorise other states to carry out in the Exclusive Economic Zone and on the continental shelf, military exercises or manoeuvres, in particular, those involving the use of weapons or explosives, without the consent of the coastal state”. The Statement also puts on record that the ship’s movements were being monitored throughout, implying that the Indian Navy was alert and not caught by surprise. The US Navy has repeatedly justified its act as being consistent with “international law”. The UNCLOS 1982 is the only well-established international law on the subject under reference. Interestingly– or rather ironically- the US has not yet ratified UNCLOS, though it claims to adhere to several of its principles. India is a signatory to UNCLOS and has also ratified it. In addition, there is national legislation governing the coastal regions within the sovereignty of India known as the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and others under Maritime Zones Act, 1976. Section 4(2) of this act allows foreign warships including submarines and other underwater vehicles to enter or pass through the territorial waters after giving prior notice to the Central Government. They are also required to navigate on the surface and show their flags. India is not the only country that imposes restrictions on the innocent passage of foreign military ships. Even though one of the fundamental principles of UNCLOS is that all ships of all states, including both civilian and military vessels, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea of other states, the fact of the matter is that not all countries agree with this interpretation, particularly where the innocent passage of military vessels is concerned. According to a briefing paper of June 2017 by the Harvard Kennedy School, titled “Freedom of Navigation in South China Sea: A Practical Guide", over 40 states impose restrictions on the innocent passage of military ships, including requiring permission or notice prior to transit under innocent passage. The significance of this episode is not only in the legal aspects of the case. The cause of serious concern is the arrogant manner in which the US Navy has acted deliberately to challenge India’s position and has also gone public without caring for the implications. The USA is known to challenge the “excessive maritime claims” by other states either through diplomatic communications, or bilateral/multilateral discussions or operational assertions. It is not clear as to whether the USA has exhausted the first two options with India before opting for “operational assertion” on April 7. Most probably not. As two sovereign countries, India and the USA have the legitimate right to differ with each other on any given matter. However, the irresponsible and amateurish manner in which the US Navy decided to highlight this difference of opinion and enforce its own position and make it public is in complete contrast with the rapid growth in India-US ties culminating into “comprehensive global strategic partnership”; this is true in particular in defence and security areas. For instance, in 2016, the United States designated India as a Major Defence Partner; in 2018, India was elevated to Strategic Trade Authorization Tier 1 status, which allows India to receive license-free access to a wide range of military and dual-use technologies regulated by the US Department of Commerce. India and US have concluded the four defence and security related foundational agreements namely Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), Communications, Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), the Industrial Security Agreement (ISA) and Basic Exchange and Communication Agreement (BECA). The US’s total defence trade with India has increased from near zero in 2008 to over $20 billion in 2020. The two countries have been participating in regular joint multilateral military exercises such as Malabar and tri-services exercises e.g. Triumph. It is noteworthy that the incident took place in close heels of the Quad Summit (March 13) when both India and USA (along with Australia and Japan) reiterated their commitment to freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region which they would like to see as open, free and inclusive, where the rule of law prevails. Further, in the first outreach by the Biden Administration, the US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin paid a three-day visit to India from March 19, 2021, during which he termed India as a “great partner” and reaffirmed the importance which the USA attaches to India in promoting peace and stability in Indo-Pacific region. The US fully realises the important role which only India can play in support of the US plans to contain China. In the above backdrop, the manner in which the US Navy has conducted itself publically is beyond comprehension but for sure objectionable. It is difficult to digest- as being speculated by some international affairs analysts- that India was targeted with the objective of sending a message to China whose assertive, aggressive and expansionist behaviour in the Indo-Pacific is of concern to USA as well as many other countries in the region, including India. It would be even more absurd to suggest that it was an operation jointly scripted by the USA and India to target a common adversary namely China. The canvas of the Indo-US relations at the moment is extremely broad; this incident is, therefore, unlikely to cause any serious dent. It is important at the same time that the required measures are taken immediately to prevent the recurrence of such or similar incidents. A publicised damage control measure by the US Navy would be a bonus. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: US Navy intrusion in Indian EEZ is beyond comprehension but objectionable

<p>India protested to the United States for a navy vessel conducting a transit through its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) without consent, the foreign ministry said on Friday, in a rare row between the friendly navies of the two countries.</p>

<p>The USS John Paul Jones "asserted navigational rights and freedoms," inside India's EEZ in line with international law by sailing about 130 nautical miles (241 km) west of India's Lakshadweep islands, the U.S. Seventh Fleet said in a statement on Wednesday.</p>

<p>But an Indian foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement that UN rules did not allow such passage without consent.</p>

<p>"The Government of India's stated position on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is that the Convention does not authorise other States to carry out in the Exclusive Economic Zone and on the continental shelf, military exercises or manoeuvres, in particular those involving the use of weapons or explosives, without the consent of the coastal state," the spokesman said.</p>

<p>India's military monitored the movement of the John Paul Jones as it transited from the Persian Gulf towards the Malacca Straits, the foreign ministry said.</p>

<p>The U.S. Navy has previously conducted so-called freedom of navigation sails through Indian waters without consent, with the last one in the fiscal year for 2019, according to an annual U.S. Defense Department report.</p>

<p>However, the former Chief of India's Naval Staff Arun Prakash questioned why the U.S. announced the operation in the waters of an apparent ally.</p>

<p>"For the 7th Fleet to carry out FoN missions in Indian EEZ in violation of our domestic law is bad enough. But publicising it?" he wrote on Twitter on Friday.</p>

<p>The navies of India and the United States carry out large scale exercises each year that now involve Japan and Australia. The four countries have formed an informal security grouping called the Quad to push back against China's expanding power.</p>


India protested to the United States for a navy vessel conducting a transit through its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) without consent, the foreign ministry said on Friday, in a rare row between the friendly navies of the two countries.

India protested to the United States for a navy vessel conducting a transit through its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) without consent, the foreign ministry said on Friday, in a rare row between the friendly navies of the two countries. The USS John Paul Jones "asserted navigational rights and freedoms," inside India's EEZ in line with international law by sailing about 130 nautical miles (241 km) west of India's Lakshadweep islands, the U.S. Seventh Fleet said in a statement on Wednesday. But an Indian foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement that UN rules did not allow such passage without consent. "The Government of India's stated position on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is that the Convention does not authorise other States to carry out in the Exclusive Economic Zone and on the continental shelf, military exercises or manoeuvres, in particular those involving the use of weapons or explosives, without the consent of the coastal state," the spokesman said. India's military monitored the movement of the John Paul Jones as it transited from the Persian Gulf towards the Malacca Straits, the foreign ministry said. The U.S. Navy has previously conducted so-called freedom of navigation sails through Indian waters without consent, with the last one in the fiscal year for 2019, according to an annual U.S. Defense Department report. However, the former Chief of India's Naval Staff Arun Prakash questioned why the U.S. announced the operation in the waters of an apparent ally. "For the 7th Fleet to carry out FoN missions in Indian EEZ in violation of our domestic law is bad enough. But publicising it?" he wrote on Twitter on Friday. The navies of India and the United States carry out large scale exercises each year that now involve Japan and Australia. The four countries have formed an informal security grouping called the Quad to push back against China's expanding power.

India protests US Navy's transit through its exclusive economic zone

<p>United States of America's naval operation near Lakshadweep has thrown up many questions and in the backdrop of Indo-US co-operation in the Quad alliance the recent development assumes interesting significance.</p>

<p>US naval manoeuvre near the Lakshadweep came out of the blue. There was no indication, no diplomatic outreach. What does this mean for the democratic axis? More importantly, is it a setback in the battle against China?<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Why did the US Navy conduct an operation near Lakshadweep</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-did-the-us-navy-conduct-an-operation-near-lakshadweep-376542/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>India and the US are strategic allies. It is a partnership built on shared ideals like democracy, freedom of speech and rule of law.</p>

<p>But today, there is a new common ground of security in the Indo-Pacific. Washington is betting on India to counter Beijing.</p>

<p>This is reflected in America's policy realignment. It started with Trump. And has gained momentum under Joe Biden. It is vital that both sides see the bigger picture.</p>

<p>This has been the case throughout history. Alliances survive as long as there is clarity on who the adversary is. For example, NATO has struggled to define itself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Quad must be wary of this. This so-called freedom of passage exercise was in simple terms, unnecessary. It wasn't a message to India, but to China. Washington wants to stamp its version of free navigation around the world. Allies, adversaries, it doesn't matter.</p>

<p>This move reiterates America's resolve. But at what cost? The South China Sea is a disputed region. There are dozens of claims and counter-claims. There is an active aggressor in the form of China.</p>

<p>On the other hand, India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is not a disputed region. There are no ambiguous claims of sovereignty, and there is no aggressor here. So America's adventurism here seems unwarranted.</p>

<p>As allies, dialogue must be given priority. Differences have to be settled by diplomats, not warships.</p>

<p>Small incidents can escalate fast. A break between India and the US would hand China the advantage. Washington needs to be wary of this.</p>

<p>When Donald Trump was US President, he was accused of abandoning allies. He wanted to pull out troops from Germany. He asked South Korea to pay up for US deployments. Biden had some sharp words back then.</p>

<p>Now that he's president Biden is promising change. He has told his partners that America is back. But actions like this make you doubt his sincerity. The president was lauded for his push to convene a Quad summit.</p>

<p>It was the first time, leaders from the 4 countries met. However, as far as alliances go Quad is still a newbie. It must be cultivated into an iron bond. And India has been more than willing to engage.</p>

<p>New Delhi has repeatedly committed itself to a free and open Indo-Pacific. And more importantly to freedom of navigation. The joint statement issued last month after the Quad virtual summit was signed by all four partners including India.</p>

<p>"We support the rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful resolution of disputes, democratic values, and territorial integrity," said the statement.</p>

<p>This is the spirit of Quad as agreed by all leaders. It also featured in the phone call between PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden.</p>

<p>Allies inform, they consult and they act together. Without a joint spirit, alliances will exist only in name. America has taken a risk by wading into India's EEZ.</p>

<p>Diplomats will most likely iron out the differences, but what about public opinion? On social media, Indians are not impressed by America's action. Domestic support is key to foreign alliances. They help leaders make long term commitments without stirring emotions back home.</p>

<p>A 2014 pew survey found that 56% Indians held a favourable view of America. Washington cannot let that number drop any further. With this move, the US has also put other allies on notice. Japan, Australia, South Korea will all be watching closely.</p>

<p>What is stopping US Ships from repeating this elsewhere? The American intention was to send a deadpan message. Ally or not, our worldview will prevail. But that's simply not how partnerships work.</p>


United States of America's naval operation near Lakshadweep has thrown up many questions and in the backdrop of Indo-US co-operation in the Quad alliance the recent development assumes interesting significance.

United States of America's naval operation near Lakshadweep has thrown up many questions and in the backdrop of Indo-US co-operation in the Quad alliance the recent development assumes interesting significance. US naval manoeuvre near the Lakshadweep came out of the blue. There was no indication, no diplomatic outreach. What does this mean for the democratic axis? More importantly, is it a setback in the battle against China? Watch: Why did the US Navy conduct an operation near Lakshadweep India and the US are strategic allies. It is a partnership built on shared ideals like democracy, freedom of speech and rule of law. But today, there is a new common ground of security in the Indo-Pacific. Washington is betting on India to counter Beijing. This is reflected in America's policy realignment. It started with Trump. And has gained momentum under Joe Biden. It is vital that both sides see the bigger picture. This has been the case throughout history. Alliances survive as long as there is clarity on who the adversary is. For example, NATO has struggled to define itself. The Quad must be wary of this. This so-called freedom of passage exercise was in simple terms, unnecessary. It wasn't a message to India, but to China. Washington wants to stamp its version of free navigation around the world. Allies, adversaries, it doesn't matter. This move reiterates America's resolve. But at what cost? The South China Sea is a disputed region. There are dozens of claims and counter-claims. There is an active aggressor in the form of China. On the other hand, India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is not a disputed region. There are no ambiguous claims of sovereignty, and there is no aggressor here. So America's adventurism here seems unwarranted. As allies, dialogue must be given priority. Differences have to be settled by diplomats, not warships. Small incidents can escalate fast. A break between India and the US would hand China the advantage. Washington needs to be wary of this. When Donald Trump was US President, he was accused of abandoning allies. He wanted to pull out troops from Germany. He asked South Korea to pay up for US deployments. Biden had some sharp words back then. Now that he's president Biden is promising change. He has told his partners that America is back. But actions like this make you doubt his sincerity. The president was lauded for his push to convene a Quad summit. It was the first time, leaders from the 4 countries met. However, as far as alliances go Quad is still a newbie. It must be cultivated into an iron bond. And India has been more than willing to engage. New Delhi has repeatedly committed itself to a free and open Indo-Pacific. And more importantly to freedom of navigation. The joint statement issued last month after the Quad virtual summit was signed by all four partners including India. "We support the rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful resolution of disputes, democratic values, and territorial integrity," said the statement. This is the spirit of Quad as agreed by all leaders. It also featured in the phone call between PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden. Allies inform, they consult and they act together. Without a joint spirit, alliances will exist only in name. America has taken a risk by wading into India's EEZ. Diplomats will most likely iron out the differences, but what about public opinion? On social media, Indians are not impressed by America's action. Domestic support is key to foreign alliances. They help leaders make long term commitments without stirring emotions back home. A 2014 pew survey found that 56% Indians held a favourable view of America. Washington cannot let that number drop any further. With this move, the US has also put other allies on notice. Japan, Australia, South Korea will all be watching closely. What is stopping US Ships from repeating this elsewhere? The American intention was to send a deadpan message. Ally or not, our worldview will prevail. But that's simply not how partnerships work.

US Navy manoeuvre near Lakshadweep was an unnecessary act

<p>In light of US Navy ship's foray into India and Maldives's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the focus is back on what do international laws say about such cases</p>

<p>The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea came into operation on November 16, 1982, with the purpose of framing a global nautical law and protecting marine resources.</p>

<p>India ratified the law in 1995.</p>

<p>Here's what the UNCLOS says,</p>

<p><strong>1.</strong> A country has full sovereignty in its territorial waters.&nbsp;This is within 12 nautical miles from the country's coast</p>

<p><strong>2.</strong> UNCLOS says that a country has special rights in regard to the exploration of marine resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)<br />
<br />
<strong>Gravitas: Why is the U.S. antagonising India?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-is-the-us-antagonising-india-376538/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>This zone stretches up to 200 nautical miles.</p>

<p>India follows this international convention. But it also has rules of its own. India says foreign vessels travelling through India's exclusive economic zone have to give prior notification. The same also applies to India's continental shelf. And prior permissions are required for military maneuvers or exercises.</p>

<p>However, there is no restriction on innocent passage. And this includes navies too.</p>

<p>The US naval fleet was at 130 nautical miles west of the Lakshadweep. This is well within India's EEZ.</p>

<p>The US says it was exercising freedom of navigation, upholding the 'rights, freedoms, and the lawful uses of the sea recognised in international law'.</p>

<p>The US Navy is quoting the UNCLOS.</p>

<p>But question arises as to can any country quote a convention without even having signed it. The US had not ratified the UNCLOS. There are 160 member parties. But the US is missing.</p>

<p>Washington does not agree with certain clauses of the UNCLOS dealing with the minerals found on the seabed of the EEZ</p>

<p>So it comes down to one question is the US even in a position to lecture India on International Law?</p>

<p>What Washington has done is a clear violation of India's rules.</p>


In light of US Navy ship's foray into India and Maldives's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the focus is back on what do international laws say about such cases The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea came into operation on November 16, 1982, with the purpose of framing a global nautical law and protecting marine resources.

In light of US Navy ship's foray into India and Maldives's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the focus is back on what do international laws say about such cases The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea came into operation on November 16, 1982, with the purpose of framing a global nautical law and protecting marine resources. India ratified the law in 1995. Here's what the UNCLOS says, 1. A country has full sovereignty in its territorial waters. This is within 12 nautical miles from the country's coast 2. UNCLOS says that a country has special rights in regard to the exploration of marine resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Gravitas: Why is the U.S. antagonising India? This zone stretches up to 200 nautical miles. India follows this international convention. But it also has rules of its own. India says foreign vessels travelling through India's exclusive economic zone have to give prior notification. The same also applies to India's continental shelf. And prior permissions are required for military maneuvers or exercises. However, there is no restriction on innocent passage. And this includes navies too. The US naval fleet was at 130 nautical miles west of the Lakshadweep. This is well within India's EEZ. The US says it was exercising freedom of navigation, upholding the 'rights, freedoms, and the lawful uses of the sea recognised in international law'. The US Navy is quoting the UNCLOS. But question arises as to can any country quote a convention without even having signed it. The US had not ratified the UNCLOS. There are 160 member parties. But the US is missing. Washington does not agree with certain clauses of the UNCLOS dealing with the minerals found on the seabed of the EEZ So it comes down to one question is the US even in a position to lecture India on International Law? What Washington has done is a clear violation of India's rules.

Is US even in a position to lecture India on international law?

<p>Administrator of Lakshadweep Dineshwar Sharma passed away on Friday at the age of 66 at a Chennai hospital due to a lung-related ailment, Lakshadweep Resident Commissioner Asarpal Singh said.</p>

<p>The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of Sharma and recognised his contributions in strengthening the security of the country during his policing career.</p>

<p>"Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma Ji made long-lasting contributions to India`s policing and security apparatus. He handled many sensitive counter-terror and insurgency ops during his policing career. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti," PM Modi tweeted.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma Ji made long lasting contributions to India’s policing and security apparatus. He handled many sensitive counter terror and insurgency ops during his policing career. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1334812703089573888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condoled Sharma`s demise. He tweeted: "Deeply anguished to learn about the passing away of Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma ji. He served the nation with utmost devotion as a dedicated officer of the Indian Police Service. My heartfelt condolences to his family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply anguished to learn about the passing away of Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma ji. He served the nation with utmost devotion as a dedicated officer of the Indian Police Service. My heartfelt condolences to his family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.</p>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1334819433743695872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Indian President Ram Nath Kovind had on October 23, 2020 appointed former interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma as the Administrator of Lakshadweep.</p>

<p>A 1976-batch retired IPS officer of Kerala cadre, Sharma served as chief of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) from December 31, 2014 to May 2017.</p>

<p>He was appointed as the interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir in 2017 during the first term of the Narendra Modi-led government.</p>


Administrator of Lakshadweep Dineshwar Sharma passed away on Friday at the age of 66 at a Chennai hospital due to a lung-related ailment, Lakshadweep Resident Commissioner Asarpal Singh said.

Administrator of Lakshadweep Dineshwar Sharma passed away on Friday at the age of 66 at a Chennai hospital due to a lung-related ailment, Lakshadweep Resident Commissioner Asarpal Singh said. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of Sharma and recognised his contributions in strengthening the security of the country during his policing career. "Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma Ji made long-lasting contributions to India`s policing and security apparatus. He handled many sensitive counter-terror and insurgency ops during his policing career. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti," PM Modi tweeted. Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma Ji made long lasting contributions to India’s policing and security apparatus. He handled many sensitive counter terror and insurgency ops during his policing career. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 4, 2020 × Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condoled Sharma`s demise. He tweeted: "Deeply anguished to learn about the passing away of Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma ji. He served the nation with utmost devotion as a dedicated officer of the Indian Police Service. My heartfelt condolences to his family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti." Deeply anguished to learn about the passing away of Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma ji. He served the nation with utmost devotion as a dedicated officer of the Indian Police Service. My heartfelt condolences to his family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 4, 2020 × The Indian President Ram Nath Kovind had on October 23, 2020 appointed former interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma as the Administrator of Lakshadweep. A 1976-batch retired IPS officer of Kerala cadre, Sharma served as chief of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) from December 31, 2014 to May 2017. He was appointed as the interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir in 2017 during the first term of the Narendra Modi-led government.

Lakshadweep administrator Dineshwar Sharma passes away, PM recalls his contribution to policing

<p>Severe Cyclonic storm ‘Maha’ over Lakshadweep and adjoining southeast the Arabian Sea moved further north-northwestwards and lay centred over the east-central Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep area about 90 km north-northeast of Aminidivi (Lakshadweep), according to the Indian Meteorological Department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The IMD predicts that it is very likely to move northwestwards and thereafter move west-northwestwards, while rainfall is to occur over coastal Kerala, Karnataka and parts of Tamil Nadu. It is very likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm over the east-central Arabian Sea.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Balachandran, Director, South Zone Head of IMD said, “Over the last 24 hours 33 places across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry received heavy rain whereas four places received very heavy rainfall. For the next 24 hours, there would be heavy rainfall across the Southern coastal districts and districts adjoining the western ghats. Other regions of the state and Puducherry would receive moderate rainfall.”</p>

<p>Fishermen have also been instructed to not venture towards Maldives, Lakshadweep, Kerala for the next 24 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu’s Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumar said, “we have three IAS officers deputed to monitor the situation across 32 districts and 12 boats from Kanyakumari, Tuticorin that are fishing in the high seas have been asked to return. People living in low-lying areas have been instructed to move to higher ground and SDRF teams are on standby as a precaution against landslides. Adequate measures are being taken to provide pumps for places where waterlogging is likely.”</p>

<p>While Cyclone 'Maha' has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm in the Arabian sea, there is a possibility of a depression forming in the Bay of Bengal by early next week. “Between November 4th and 5th a low pressure is likely to form in the West Andaman coast and is likely to move northwestwards and form as a depression”, Balachandran added.</p>


Severe Cyclonic storm ‘Maha’ over Lakshadweep and adjoining southeast the Arabian Sea moved further north-northwestwards and lay centred over the east-central Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep area about 90 km north-northeast of Aminidivi (Lakshadweep), according to the Indian Meteorological Department.

Severe Cyclonic storm ‘Maha’ over Lakshadweep and adjoining southeast the Arabian Sea moved further north-northwestwards and lay centred over the east-central Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep area about 90 km north-northeast of Aminidivi (Lakshadweep), according to the Indian Meteorological Department. The IMD predicts that it is very likely to move northwestwards and thereafter move west-northwestwards, while rainfall is to occur over coastal Kerala, Karnataka and parts of Tamil Nadu. It is very likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm over the east-central Arabian Sea. Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Balachandran, Director, South Zone Head of IMD said, “Over the last 24 hours 33 places across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry received heavy rain whereas four places received very heavy rainfall. For the next 24 hours, there would be heavy rainfall across the Southern coastal districts and districts adjoining the western ghats. Other regions of the state and Puducherry would receive moderate rainfall.” Fishermen have also been instructed to not venture towards Maldives, Lakshadweep, Kerala for the next 24 hours. Tamil Nadu’s Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumar said, “we have three IAS officers deputed to monitor the situation across 32 districts and 12 boats from Kanyakumari, Tuticorin that are fishing in the high seas have been asked to return. People living in low-lying areas have been instructed to move to higher ground and SDRF teams are on standby as a precaution against landslides. Adequate measures are being taken to provide pumps for places where waterlogging is likely.” While Cyclone 'Maha' has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm in the Arabian sea, there is a possibility of a depression forming in the Bay of Bengal by early next week. “Between November 4th and 5th a low pressure is likely to form in the West Andaman coast and is likely to move northwestwards and form as a depression”, Balachandran added.

Cyclone 'Maha' centred near Lakshadweep; depression likely to form near Andaman by November 4

<p>The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday said that isolated places over Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are likely to receive heavy rainfall today.</p>

<p>The weather forecast agency further predicted that heavy falls is also likely over Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe.</p>

<p>"Heavy rainfall at isolated places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Telangana and Coastal and South Interior Karnataka," IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin.</p>

<p>In Delhi, the sky will partly be cloudy with the minimum and maximum temperatures hovering around 19 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>The thunderstorm accompanied with lightning is very likely at isolated places over West Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Konkan and Goa, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Telangana, Rayalseema, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep.</p>

<p>The squally winds, speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph, is likely over Lakshadweep-Maldive areas and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea and along and off Kerala coast.</p>

<p>"Gale winds, speed reaching 140-150 kmph gusting to 170 kmph, very likely over west-central and adjoining east-central and the north Arabian Sea."</p>

<p>The sea condition is very likely to phenomenal over west-central and adjoining east-central and the north Arabian Sea and rough to very rough over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep-Maldives areas and along and off Kerala and south Karnataka coasts.</p>

<p>The organisation has advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next couple of days.</p>

<p>The weather forecast agency also alerted about the Cyclone KYARR and said that this extremely severe cyclonic storm has moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 4 kmph during the past six hours.</p>

<p>It is very likely to move west-northwestwards till today, re-curve west-southwestwards thereafter and move towards the Gulf of Aden off south Oman-Yemen coasts during subsequent three days.</p>

<p>"It is very likely to weaken into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm during the morning of October 30 and further into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by the morning of October 31," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin.'</p>

<p>The well-marked low-pressure area now lies over Lakshadweep-Maldives areas and adjoining Comorin area with associated cyclonic circulation extending up to mid-tropospheric levels.</p>

<p>"The system is likely to concentrate into a Depression over Lakshadweep-Maldives areas and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea during the next 24 hours. It is likely to move northwestwards across the Lakshadweep Islands and intensify into Deep Depression during subsequent 24 hours."</p>

<p>Under the influence of the system over Comorin area and adjoining Equatorial Indian Ocean, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshadweep and heavy rainfall over Rayalseema and Karnataka up to October 31.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday said that isolated places over Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are likely to receive heavy rainfall today.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday said that isolated places over Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are likely to receive heavy rainfall today. The weather forecast agency further predicted that heavy falls is also likely over Karaikal, Kerala and Mahe. "Heavy rainfall at isolated places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Telangana and Coastal and South Interior Karnataka," IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin. In Delhi, the sky will partly be cloudy with the minimum and maximum temperatures hovering around 19 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius. The thunderstorm accompanied with lightning is very likely at isolated places over West Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Konkan and Goa, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Telangana, Rayalseema, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep. The squally winds, speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph, is likely over Lakshadweep-Maldive areas and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea and along and off Kerala coast. "Gale winds, speed reaching 140-150 kmph gusting to 170 kmph, very likely over west-central and adjoining east-central and the north Arabian Sea." The sea condition is very likely to phenomenal over west-central and adjoining east-central and the north Arabian Sea and rough to very rough over the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Lakshadweep-Maldives areas and along and off Kerala and south Karnataka coasts. The organisation has advised fishermen not to venture into these areas for the next couple of days. The weather forecast agency also alerted about the Cyclone KYARR and said that this extremely severe cyclonic storm has moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 4 kmph during the past six hours. It is very likely to move west-northwestwards till today, re-curve west-southwestwards thereafter and move towards the Gulf of Aden off south Oman-Yemen coasts during subsequent three days. "It is very likely to weaken into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm during the morning of October 30 and further into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by the morning of October 31," the IMD stated in its All India Weather Warning Bulletin.' The well-marked low-pressure area now lies over Lakshadweep-Maldives areas and adjoining Comorin area with associated cyclonic circulation extending up to mid-tropospheric levels. "The system is likely to concentrate into a Depression over Lakshadweep-Maldives areas and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea during the next 24 hours. It is likely to move northwestwards across the Lakshadweep Islands and intensify into Deep Depression during subsequent 24 hours." Under the influence of the system over Comorin area and adjoining Equatorial Indian Ocean, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshadweep and heavy rainfall over Rayalseema and Karnataka up to October 31.

Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu to receive heavy rainfall today: IMD

Sri Lanka is still healing from explosion of Easter. There is a intelligence report after a month of bombings which claimed ISIS terrorists travelling to Lakshadweep by boat. Following this Kerala Coast is on high alert.

Gravitas: 15 Terrorists Head To Lakshadweep

lakshadweep

Lakshadweep, News on Lakshadweep, stories on Lakshadweep, articles on Lakshadweep, Lakshadweep stories at Wion, Lakshadweep news, Lakshadweep latest news