Impact of Social Media Usage on the International Relations in South Asia- A Case study of Website X on India-Maldives Relation

The rapid ascent of social media platforms as tools for international communication and diplomacy has profoundly influenced the dynamics of global politics, particularly in regions with complex historical ties and strategic interests especially the case in areas like the South Asia. The South Asia offers a significant deviation from the global trend of governments and non-state actors interacting cooperatively and transactionally. The region is characterised by rising levels of violence and animosity that violate the expectations of cooperation inherent in the global milieu, rather than collaboration and mutual trust. There is a direct link between the rise in violent confrontations and unpleasant interactions in the South Asia and social media's growing influence. This study looks at how social media use affects international relations in South Asia, with a particular emphasis on how website X (Former Twitter) shaped India's and the Maldives' diplomatic ties. X emerged as a significant platform for public diplomacy and diplomatic conflict after Maldivian ministers Malsha Shariff, Mariam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majeed posted offensive tweets in response to photographs shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the picturesque Union Territory of Lakshadweep on 4 January 2024. This study looks at how official statements, tweets by politicians, and diplomatic bodies can fuel tensions between two countries through a qualitative and quantitative examination. This sparked an online battle of campaigns on the microblogging website X, formerly Twitter. This paper underscores the dual-edged nature of social media in international relations, highlighting its potential to foster dialogue and mutual understanding, as well as its capacity to exacerbate conflicts and misunderstandings. The research concludes with policy recommendations for governments in South Asia to harness the positive aspects of social media in diplomacy while mitigating its risks through strategic communication practices and digital literacy initiatives.