On June 2, the Maldives, known for its beautiful beaches and luxury resorts, announced that it will ban the entry of the Jewish country’s citizens into the island nation, showing solidarity with Gaza.

In turn, Israel’s Embassy in India started promoting Indian beaches in Lakshadweep, Kerala, Goa, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. “Since the Maldives is no longer welcoming Israelis, here are some beautiful and amazing Indian beaches where Israeli tourists are warmly welcomed and treated with utmost hospitality,” the Embassy said in a post on social media platform X on June 3, sharing pictures of Indian beaches.

In a sarcastic note of gratitude, the Consul General of Israel to Midwest India told the Maldives government, “Thanks to the Maldives Government’s decision, Israelis can now explore the beautiful beaches of Lakshadweep.”
The Maldivian government decided to amend laws to ban Israeli passport holders from entering the Indian Ocean archipelago, amid mounting public anger in the country over the attacks by Israeli forces on Gaza.