‘India Already Atmanirbhar In Tourism’: Union Ministers Amid Row Over Maldives Leaders’ Remarks

The row occurred after Maldives Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment Mariyam Shiuna made "derogatory remarks" against PM Modi in a now-deleted tweet.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur.

Source : Getty

Amid row over the “derogatory remarks” of Maldives minister Mariyam Shiuna against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his recent Lakshwadeep visit, Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday stated that in terms of tourism, India is already "Atmanirbhar." The row occurred after Maldives Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment Mariyam Shiuna made "derogatory remarks" against PM Modi in a now-deleted tweet. The post also included photos of PM Modi from his recent trip to Lakshadweep.

Taking to X, Thakur stated: "The vast landmass of India is unique and distinct in many ways. Where else could one find such a rich topography and variety of climatic regions, ranging from tropical in the south to temperate and alpine in the Himalaya? Hill stations, mountains, deserts, the Indo-Gangetic Plains, or the beaches, our country has every such location that people dream of visiting in their lifetime."

"In terms of production capabilities, we may take a few years to become Atmanirbhar, but in the case of tourism, we are already Atmanirbhar, and it's just that we have to value the things that we have," he added. 

The vast landmass of India is unique and distinct in many ways. Where else could one find such a rich topography and variety of climatic regions, ranging from tropical in the south to temperate and alpine in the Himalaya?

Hill stations, mountains, deserts, the Indo-Gangetic… pic.twitter.com/KmbqTb6tQr

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) January 7, 2024

On Maldives MP's post on PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, Union Minister Meenakashi Lekhi said: "I am only looking at PM's visit. PM Modi introduced the world to the beautiful places in India. If there is Maldives, then Lakshadweep is also there, it is also nearer. Andamans is also there. We have to take pride in our history and also take steps to make India 'Atmanirbhar'. Indians should have the knowledge about their country and they should travel to the tourist destinations of India."

#WATCH | Delhi: On Maldives MP's post on PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, Union Minister Meenakashi Lekhi says, "I am only looking at PM's visit. PM Modi introduced the world to the beautiful places in India... If there is Maldives, then Lakshadweep is also there, it is also… pic.twitter.com/HSd90EXpZ7

— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2024

PM Modi visited the Union Territory earlier last week and uploaded many photos, including one of his "exhilarating experience" while snorkelling.