Amid India-Maldives row, Israel to start desalination programme in Lakshadweep

As interest in Lakshwadeep islands peaks in India amidst "boycott Maldives" calls, Israel on Monday said that it will start a key project that could boost tourism in the Indian archipelago.

On social media X, the Israeli embassy in India said it is commencing the desalination programme in Lakshadweep on Tuesday.

It also shared photographs of the pristine and majestic underwater beauty of Lakshadweep islands in its post, which many saw as indirect support of India in the diplomatic row with Maldives.

“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,” it said.

The sudden interest in Lakshwadeep comes amidst a diplomatic row between India and Maldives following derogatory remarks made by three deputy ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose visit to the Indian island on January 2 led the Maldivian leaders to falsely believe that New Delhi is urging Indian travellers to explore different tourist destinations.

The three ministers— Maryam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef and Mahzoom Majid—were later suspended after many Indians objected to their unsavory statements online, with many calling for a boycott of the Maldives and its tourist spots.

The surge of online backlash from the Indians forced the Maldives foreign ministry to issue an official statement on Sunday saying that the government is aware of "derogatory remarks" on social media platforms against foreign leaders and that the personal views do not represent its position.

"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," the Maldivian foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

The diplomatic row comes at a time when India and Maldives relations are already strained over withdrawal of the Indian personnel from the archipelago.

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