Dignity first: Akshay Kumar fires back at Maldives, challenges ‘unprovoked hate’

Amid the growing tensions between India and Maldives following a comment by a Maldives minister regarding the Lakshadweep Islands, Bollywood celebs such as Akshay Kumar, John Abraham and Shraddha Kapoor have come forward to encourage citizens to explore the beauty of Indian islands. The Maldives minister accused India of targeting the nation and claimed that India faced challenges in competing with Maldives' beach tourism.

We are good to our neighbors but why...: Akshay Kumar

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Akshay Kumar addressed the derogatory comments from "some Maldives public figures"  and said that we are good to our neighbours but would not tolerate "unprovoked hate". He wrote, “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.”

He concluded his note with these words, "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."

John Abraham and Shraddha Kapoor encourage to explore Indian islands

John took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle and praised the hospitality and marine life in Lakshadweep. "With the amazing Indian hospitality, the idea of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' and a vast marine life to explore. Lakshwadeep is the place to go," he wrote.

On the other hand, Shraddha is having FOMO (fear of missing out) after watching the images and memes of Lakshwadeep. The actress informed that she is on the "verge of booking an impluse chhutti". Her note read, "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."

What sparked the controversy

The controversy began after PM Narendra Modi went snorkelling to explore the undersea life at Lakshadweep islands and encouraged people to explore the picturesque island. PM Modi also advocated for the ‘vocal for local’ campaign to bolster tourism on the Indian island, while many compared it with the Maldives. As leaders from Maldives indulged in mocking India's attempt to ‘promote Lakshadweep’, Boycott Maldives started trending on X.