Intemperate remarks made by three Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent visit to Lakshadweep, and the response from India, underscore the deep tensions that are plaguing what has historically been a close friendship between the two nations. After angry Indian social media users targeted the Maldives government over the comments, Male suspended the offending ministers and distanced itself from their remarks. But in a seemingly coordinated manner, a flood of Indian social media influencers and celebrities started posting images and videos of Indian islands, including those of Lakshadweep, effectively pitching them as alternative destinations to the Maldives, a globally popular spot for beach-loving tourists. At least one ticketing platform said it was suspending bookings to the Maldives and reports suggest that thousands of Indians cancelled their reservations to the idyllic islands. Meanwhile, the Indian ministry of external affairs summoned the Maldives high commissioner, presumably to spell out its unhappiness over the comments by the ministers. Amidst all of this, the new Maldives president, Mohamed Muizzu, made a planned State visit to China. Mr Muizzu, who has not spoken on the controversial comments, has not visited India yet, unlike every one of his predecessors who made New Delhi their first overseas destination.

India has the ability to seriously hurt the Maldives, economically, politically and in other ways. As the closest neighbour to Male, New Delhi will be the first capital any Maldivian government will turn to in a moment of crisis. But it would be a mistake for New Delhi to try and use this clout — either directly or by allowing an unofficial economic boycott to take root — in ways that will penalise the Maldives. Mr Muizzu came to power riding on anti-Indian sentiments and has ordered a small set of Indian troops on the islands to leave. India must guard against any response that strengthens the view that New Delhi is a bully towards smaller neighbours like the Maldives. Male is already embracing friends like Beijing and Ankara, and has several sources of tourists, including from the West. The social media posts by the suspended Maldivian ministers demonstrated their diplomatic naivete and political immaturity. India must do better, starting with a formal government statement distancing New Delhi from calls for a boycott of the Maldives.