Lakshadweep tourism: Amid the diplomatic tensions between India and Maldives over the derogatory remarks towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is now contemplating the event of a new airfield within the Minicoy Islands. This airfield is envisioned to be able to accommodating not solely industrial aircraft but additionally navy ones, together with fighter jets.
An enormous controversy had erupted final week following derogatory remarks by the deputy minister of Maldives and different ministers who made racist remarks thrown at India, whereas additionally mocking PM Modi’s go to to Lakshadweep and his try to promote tourism within the island Union Territory of India.
Indian Air Force to lead operations from Minicoy’s airfield
“The plan is to have a joint airfield that would be capable of operating fighter jets, military transport planes and commercial aircraft,” ANI quoted authorities sources as saying.
The sources additional stated that the proposals for creating a new airfield within the Minicoy Islands have been introduced to the federal government up to now. However, the present initiative to set up a joint-use defence airfield has been rejuvenated lately and is actively advancing.
The institution of the airfield is anticipated to stimulate tourism within the union territory, whereas concurrently enhancing surveillance capabilities over the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean area.
The proposal for the event of the airfield at the Minicoy Islands was first given by the Indian Coast Guard. As per the current proposal, the Indian Air Force would lead the operations from Minicoy.
Minicoy airport to enhance tourism
The Minicoy airport, as soon as operational, would provide the defence forces the power to develop their surveillance protection within the Arabian Sea. Additionally, the airport is anticipated to enhance tourism within the area, as outlined within the authorities’s plans.
Currently, there is just one airstrip within the island territory, positioned in Agatti, and it could impose limitations on the kinds of aircraft that may be accommodated.
What led to the problem?
The island territory has been the centre of dialogue and attraction because the go to by Prime Minister Narendra Modi there final week. Politicians within the Maldives’ ruling social gathering have been making an attempt to criticise India’s plans to promote Lakshadweep as a vacationer attraction and have tweeted towards India. Ministers made racist remarks at India, whereas additionally mocking PM Modi’s go to to Lakshadweep and his try to promote tourism within the island Union Territory of India.
Maldives deputy cupboard ministers Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid had been suspended over their remarks towards PM Modi, which triggered a large backlash. Shiuna made derogatory remarks towards PM Modi on social media platform X. The publish by Shiuna, which has now been deleted, featured photographs of PM Modi from his latest go to to Lakshadweep. Following their remarks, the Maldives authorities suspended three ministers.
The Maldivian authorities distanced itself from the remarks made by the leaders stating that “opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives”.
Following the remarks by the Maldivian ministers, there was immense backlash on social media. India’s one of many largest on-line journey platforms EaseMyTrip suspended flight bookings to the Maldives amid the continuing row.
Several personalities condemned the feedback comprised of the opposite aspect and advocated visiting Lakshadweep and different Indian islands, which even have picturesque views. People on social media urged the residents to boycott visiting Maldives as vacationers and go to Indian islands as a substitute. Several flight tickets to Maldives had been reportedly cancelled.
(With ANI inputs)
