India's Best-Kept Secret: Lakshadweep

Chapter 1: Maldives vs India

Recently, "Boycott Maldives" has been trending on Twitter. Elected leaders and ministers from Maldives have been tweeting against India, stating that toileting in the open is their national culture and they are taking it to the West. They claim that India can never be as beautiful as Maldives. However, the truth is quite different.

India has its own hidden gem, the Lakshadweep islands. With beautiful beaches, clear skies, and even clearer waters, the first glance at Lakshadweep will remind you of Thailand, Mauritius, or Maldives. But in reality, this paradise is part of India.

Lakshadweep recently gained attention when photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi snorkeling in its clear waters went viral. He also announced an investment of Rs. 1,156 crore for the development of Lakshadweep. This move has upset the government of Maldives, leading to their negative comments about India's development.

It's important to note that these comments are not from trolls, but from actual ministers and officials. So, what is their problem with India's progress?

The truth is, Modi's visit to Lakshadweep and his announcement were not just an Instagram post. They were a geopolitical masterstroke, showcasing India's soft power and hard power. Having control over Lakshadweep poses a threat to countries like Maldives and China. Let's explore how India is hitting two birds with one stone.

Chapter 2: India's Secret Weapon

Lakshadweep, one of India's eight union territories, is a paradise consisting of 36 islands. Located just 360 kilometers away from Kerala, these islands remain a hidden gem. Out of the 36 islands, only 10 are inhabited, and the rest are preserved as forest areas. With a total population of 64,000, Lakshadweep is considered an ecologically sensitive area.

For many years, tourism was limited to only one island in Lakshadweep. However, the Indian government is now investing Rs. 1,156 crore to bring big projects, such as broadband, internet, drinking water facilities, ferry services, and eco-tourism to the islands.

Chapter 3: Master Plan of India

The development of Lakshadweep is not a reactionary move against Maldives, but a well-planned endeavor. In 2018, NITI Aayog hosted a conference with the objective of developing eco-tourism in Andaman and Lakshadweep islands while ensuring sustainable development goals.

The master plan includes the development of 11 anchor tourism projects, which will serve as the foundation for the entire eco-tourism industry in Lakshadweep. The government aims to develop 100 such islands in India as tourist destinations.

In 2021, a tender was issued for 370 floating villas, worth a total of ₹800 crore. With 23% of tourists visiting Maldives being Indians, the development of Lakshadweep has the potential to provide a cheaper and better alternative to Maldives, leading to increased tourism in India.

Chapter 4: China's Control over Maldives

China recognized the strategic importance of Maldives in 2008. Maldives' geographical location plays a vital role in China's trade routes. All goods exported from China pass through Maldives, making it a crucial hub for China's trade with the rest of the world.

China has been strengthening its ties with small island nations in the Indian Ocean, including Maldives, through strategic investments and trade agreements. Maldives, with a total GDP of just 5 billion dollars, already owes one-fifth of its GDP to China alone. This puts Maldives at risk of falling into a debt trap set by China.

Chapter 5: Conclusion

While the choice of where to spend your money is yours, it is worth considering why you would support a country whose President campaigns with an "India Out" agenda. Instead, let's appreciate the beauty and potential of our own country.

India has hidden treasures like Lakshadweep, which can provide an alternative to foreign destinations. By encouraging development in these areas and showcasing the beauty of our country, we can strengthen India's brand and contribute to its growth.

The 21st century belongs to India, and each one of us plays a role in shaping its future. By sharing the beauty of India with the world and promoting its culture and traditions, we can influence others and contribute to the country's progress.

Let's make a conscious effort to value what we have and invite others to experience the beauty of our homeland. Together, we can show the world that India is changing and create a stronger presence in the Indian Ocean.

So, next time you plan a beach vacation, consider exploring the beaches of Lakshadweep or Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Let's be proud of our own country and share its beauty with the world.