SpiceJet Secures Seaplane Services Contract in Lakshadweep Amid Tensions with Maldives; Route Information Revealed
SpiceJet has been granted a contract by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation to operate seaplane services in Lakshadweep. The announcement comes amid a significant controversy sparked by derogatory comments from Maldivian ministers directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian tourism sector.
In a move set to enhance Lakshadweep's tourism industry, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted SpiceJet a contract for seaplane services in the region as part of the UDAN scheme. Under this initiative, SpiceJet's seaplane services will connect various routes, including Kalpani to Minicoy, Kavaratti to Bitra, Kavaratti to Kadmat, Kavaratti to Kalpani, Kavaratti to Kiltan, Kochi to Bangaram, Kochi to Bitra, and Kochi to Kalpani.
It's worth mentioning that the central government awarded the seaplane contract to SpiceJet amid a significant controversy involving derogatory comments made by Maldivian ministers (who are now suspended) against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India.
Maldivian Ministers' Disparaging Comments Toward PM Modi
A major controversy unfolded following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, where he praised the breathtaking beauty of the island. PM Modi shared some captivating images of the archipelago's beaches and commended the "incredible warmth" of its people
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In response to PM Modi's visit, Maldivian ministers Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid made objectionable remarks against him, particularly in reference to his tweets promoting Lakshadweep's tourism sector.
In an attempt to mitigate the situation, the Maldives government took swift action by suspending the three ministers. The government clarified that their "personal" views did not align with the official policies regarding India.
#MaldivesBoycott Gains Traction on Social Media
The disrespectful comments from the now-suspended Maldivian ministers sparked a massive uproar on social media. Prominent Indian figures, including Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Hardik Pandya, and others, joined forces to support Prime Minister Modi in promoting Lakshadweep's tourism sector.
The hashtag #BoycottMaldives is gaining significant traction on social media platform X. As a result of the controversy, many Indians are choosing to cancel their planned trips to the Maldives, which has long been a popular tourist destination for Indian travelers.
In response to the situation, the Indian government took action on January 8, 2024, by summoning the Maldivian High Commissioner to express a strong protest against the derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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