India ‘closest’ ally, says Maldives tourism panel; Indian trade body urges ‘stop promoting Maldives’ All you need to know

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The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has condemned the derogatory social media posts made by three now-suspended Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India. The Association, in a statement on Monday, said called India as one of Maldives’ “closest allies” and the “first responder” in times of any crisis in the island nation. Last week, Prime Minister Modi’s posts on X highlighting Lakshadweep as a tourist destination sparked controversy on social media when Maldivian users began making derogatory remarks. The situation escalated further as Maldivian ministers joined in. With India being a top market source for the...