The reported controversy surrounding Miss Universe India Manika Vishwakarma and Miss Universe Pakistan Roma Riaz stems from a viral video they posted together from the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Thailand.
The video, shared by the contestants on social media platforms, showed the two women representing rival nations dancing and having a moment of friendship behind the scenes at the pageant. They were reportedly seen being cordial, laughing, and showing solidarity.
While the video was widely praised by many online users who viewed it as a powerful message of peace, cultural unity, and sisterhood transcending political boundaries, it also sparked a significant backlash.
Roma Riaz faced criticism from conservative segments on social media in Pakistan.
The core issue was not the friendship itself but the broader controversy surrounding the Miss Universe Pakistan pageant, which some conservative figures often condemn for its perceived departure from traditional values and lack of official government approval.
View this post on Instagram
Manika Vishwakarma’s actions were largely seen as positive and promoting goodwill, but she and Roma Riaz became the subject of heavy engagement, both positive and negative, due to the sensitive nature of India-Pakistan relations.
The controversy was less about a specific incident between the two women and more about the cultural and political sensitivities in both countries that often clash when public figures from the rival nations openly display friendship and camaraderie.
