Israel Will Soon Start Work On Desalination Program In Lakshadweep

Israel has announced the launch of a desalination program in Lakshadweep on 9 January 2024. This move by Israel is likely to boost tourism in Lakshadweep.

Background of events:

• Some ministers of the Maldives government had made derogatory remarks regarding PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep in early January 2024. In response to this, many Indians have cancelled their trip to Maldives. However, the Maldives government has dismissed the minister concerned.
• Indians are strongly opposing this comment of the Maldivian Minister. In this context, many famous personalities of India are now talking about promoting tourism in Lakshadweep.
• In this sequence, the Israeli government has discussed to start a desalination program in Lakshadweep. However, talks on this have been going on for a long time. But in support of India against Maldives, Israel has talked about starting it soon.

Promotion of tourism in Lakshadweep:

• This move by Israel can further boost tourism in the Indian archipelago amid the ongoing dispute over Maldives.
• After this incident in Maldives, many famous personalities of India are advising Indians to go for Lakshadweep tourism.
• Lakshadweep is also famous for its natural beauty. If there is more investment in the tourism sector it can be developed as a world-famous tourist destination.

About Desalination Technology:

• Due to the oceanic location of Lakshadweep, there are a lot of problems with fresh drinking water here.
• Israel possesses technology for desalination, converting saline seawater into freshwater by eliminating minerals and impurities, making it safe for consumption.
• Since Israel is also surrounded by sea and sandy land, there is a problem of drinking water there too. But, Israel fulfils its needs by converting salty sea water into fresh water through desalination technology.
• Desalination technology can prove to be very important in increasing tourism in Lakshadweep.

The new President of Maldives is a worry for India:

• Historically, the Maldives have had an executive presidential system since 1968. Now, Maldives converted into a multi-party democracy in 2008.
• Since then, no president currently in office has been re-elected. This situation has become a worry for India.
• The selection of a pro-Chinese candidate by the country's new President, Mohamed Muizzu, in Maldives is a concern for India.
• Mohamed Muizzu had started the India Out campaign in his election announcement itself. He is implementing it now.

About Maldives:

• Two important sea communication routes are located in this island chain's Southern and Northern parts.
• These sea routes are important for maritime trade between the Gulf of Aden and the Strait of Hormuz in West Asia and Malacca in South-East Asia.
• Its physical location mainly consists of coral reefs and atolls and most of the area falls under the Exclusive Economic Zone.
• The Maldives are an archipelago of predominantly low-lying islands under threat from rising sea levels.
• The 8 Degree Channel separates the Indian Minicoy (part of the Lakshadweep Islands) from the Maldives.
• Capital: Male
• Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa
• President: Mohamed Muizzu