EaseMyTrip cancels all Maldives flight bookings amid diplomatic row over comment against Narendra Modi

Supporting India, Nishant Pitti, co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Indian online travel company, wrote on X: "In solidarity with our nation, @EaseMyTrip  has suspended all Maldives flight bookings #TravelUpdate #SupportingNation #LakshadweepTourism #ExploreIndianlslands #Lakshadweep #ExploreIndianIslands @kishanreddybjp@JM_Scindia@PMOIndia@tourismgoi@narendramodi@incredibleindia."

In a separate post, he urged people to visit Ayodhya or  Lakshadweep.

"Embark on a journey with @EaseMyTrip to discover the enchanting beauty of Ayodhya and the pristine allure of Lakshadweep! Immerse yourself in rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. Say no to Maldives bookings and explore the wonders of Ayodhya and Lakshadweep," he said.

Ayodhya and Maharishi Valmiki Airport

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Ayodhya's Maharishi Valmiki Airport and the newly renovated railway station on Dec 30 paving the way for the grand consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in the heart of Uttar Pradesh.

Not limited to this, the city of Ayodhya underwent a significant transformation ahead of the temple's inauguration on Jan 22, with experts predicting a substantial surge in spiritual tourism.

The developments have brought a massive change in tourists as they plan holidays. While the usual rush during this time of the year is either hills or beaches, interestingly, the focus has now shifted to exploring Ayodhya.

The Ayodhya airport, which is called the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham, has been developed at a cost of over ₹ 1,450 crore. The airport's terminal has an area of 6,500 sq m and will be equipped to serve about 10 lakh passengers annually.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Maldivian envoy to India Ibrahim Shaheeb on Monday and conveyed strong concern over remarks posted on social media against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As per reports, the Maldives High Commissioner was seen arriving at the MEA office building and leaving a short while later.

The Ministry summoned the envoy amid the ongoing row between India and the Maldives over derogatory remarks made by Maldivian leaders against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep.

Earlier, On Monday Indian High Commissioner to Maldives, Munu Mahawar held a “pre-arranged meeting” with Ali Naseer Mohamed, Ambassador at large at the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Male.

The Indian High Commission in Maldives posted on X, "High Commissioner Munu Mahawar had a pre-arranged meeting with H.E. Dr Ali Naseer Mohamed, Ambassador at Large, at MoFA, Maldives, today to discuss bilateral issues."

Meanwhile, the Maldives government has distanced itself from the remarks made by its ministers. Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer said that these remarks against foreign leaders are “unacceptable” and do not reflect the official position of the Maldives government.