Roshan Rai took to X with a tweet that has sparked widespread discussion, highlighting what many perceive as a striking irony in indian Prime minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic maneuvers. The post points out that Modi is set to visit the maldives soon to meet President Mohamed Muizzu, a figure and a nation that had previously faced severe backlash from Modi’s ardent supporters, often referred to as "Bhakts."
These supporters had called for a boycott of the maldives and labeled Muizzu an "Islamic Terrorist" amid tensions, particularly following a social media campaign in 2024 triggered by derogatory remarks from Maldivian officials against Modi. Rai’s observation underscores a shift, suggesting that Modi’s upcoming visit could be seen as a diplomatic olive branch, contrasting sharply with the earlier rhetoric of his base.
Further fueling the narrative of political irony, the tweet notes India’s recent decision to resume tourist visas for Chinese nationals after a five-year hiatus, despite repeated calls from Bhakts for a boycott of China—most notably after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. This move, effective as of mid-2025 based on recent policy updates, indicates a pragmatic approach to international relations, prioritizing economic and strategic interests over populist sentiments.
The reinstatement of e-visas, though temporarily suspended for Chinese passport holders due to unspecified "current developments" as per the Consulate General of india in Guangzhou’s advisory on May 9, 2025, reflects a nuanced foreign policy. Rai’s commentary suggests that Modi himself might be the most effective troll of his own supporters, navigating these decisions with a finesse that leaves the Bhakts’ earlier stances seemingly undermined.
These supporters had called for a boycott of the maldives and labeled Muizzu an "Islamic Terrorist" amid tensions, particularly following a social media campaign in 2024 triggered by derogatory remarks from Maldivian officials against Modi. Rai’s observation underscores a shift, suggesting that Modi’s upcoming visit could be seen as a diplomatic olive branch, contrasting sharply with the earlier rhetoric of his base.
Further fueling the narrative of political irony, the tweet notes India’s recent decision to resume tourist visas for Chinese nationals after a five-year hiatus, despite repeated calls from Bhakts for a boycott of China—most notably after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. This move, effective as of mid-2025 based on recent policy updates, indicates a pragmatic approach to international relations, prioritizing economic and strategic interests over populist sentiments.
The reinstatement of e-visas, though temporarily suspended for Chinese passport holders due to unspecified "current developments" as per the Consulate General of india in Guangzhou’s advisory on May 9, 2025, reflects a nuanced foreign policy. Rai’s commentary suggests that Modi himself might be the most effective troll of his own supporters, navigating these decisions with a finesse that leaves the Bhakts’ earlier stances seemingly undermined.
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