Many celebrities have urged people to explore tourist destinations in the country such as Lakshadweep Islands instead of traveling to the Maldives.
Israel on Tuesday announced it would start a desalination program in Lakshadweep, a move that could further boost tourism in the Indian archipelago(Lakshadweep) amid the ongoing Maldives controversy.
The Israeli embassy post on X said, “We were in #Lakshadweep last year upon the federal government’s request to initiate the desalination program.”
“Israel is ready to commence working on this project tomorrow,” it added.
Sharing the photographs of the pristine Indian beaches in Lakshadweep, the embassy said, “For those who are yet to witness the pristine and majestic underwater beauty of #lakshadweepislands, here are a few pictures showing this island’s enchanting allure.”
We were in #Lakshadweep last year upon the federal government's request to initiate the desalination program.
Israel is ready to commence working on this project tomorrow.
For those who are yet to witness the pristine and majestic underwater beauty of #lakshadweepislands, here… pic.twitter.com/bmfDWdFMEq
— Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) January 8, 2024
The announcement comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives over derogatory remarks made by some ministers in the Mohammed Muiz government against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Ministers criticized PM Modi’s post on ‘X’ after his visit to Lakshadweep and concluded that it was an attempt to portray the Union Territory as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.
The altercation further escalated as many celebrities encouraged people on X to explore tourist destinations in the country instead of traveling to the Maldives.
The Muiz government immediately distanced itself from the minister’s comments as a personal opinion and reversed his remarks to limit the damage to bilateral relations.
However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was not satisfied with a simple suspension, and summoned the Maldives special envoy and demanded the dismissal of the three ministers.