Is Lakshadweep prepared for the influx of mass tourism as India's alternative to the Maldives?

The recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Lakshadweep, an Indian archipelago, has caused a dispute with neighboring Maldives and sparked increased interest among tourists. Prime Minister Modi announced various development projects and shared photos of himself snorkeling and enjoying the beaches of Lakshadweep. This drew derogatory comments from three Maldivian deputy ministers, leading to outrage on Indian social media and a push for Lakshadweep as an alternative tourist destination. As a result, the number of Google searches for Lakshadweep reached an all-time high, and there was a 3,400% increase in searches on the MakeMyTrip travel platform. The attention has been welcomed by the region's government administrator, Praful Patel, who sees potential for tourism development. The Tata Group has already announced plans to open two resorts on Lakshadweep islands by 2026, and airlines have increased flights to the region. However, experts warn that Lakshadweep's small size and fragile ecology make it unsuitable for mass tourism like the Maldives. Many locals also prefer responsible tourism that respects their way of life rather than large-scale development projects. The existing tourism in Lakshadweep mainly operates through cruises, as the number of accommodations is limited. Compared to the Maldives, Lakshadweep still has a long way to go in terms of infrastructure. To achieve development, the differences between the administration and the islanders need to be resolved. Lakshadweep's population is predominantly Muslim, and tensions have arisen since Patel, a former leader of Modi's political party, assumed the role of administrator and introduced controversial measures. While tourism in Lakshadweep needs to balance livelihood concerns and climate change, experts and locals agree that sustainable tourism should prioritize the fragile ecology and the needs of the local community. Implementing the guidelines set by the Integrated Island Management Plan, which includes consultation with local self-government bodies, bans on dredging and sand mining, and responsible tourism practices, would be essential for preserving Lakshadweep's unique environment.