Another cry from Maldives: Now, tourism minister pleads Indians to be part of economy

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The steep decline in Indian tourist arrivals in Maldives hurting the country’s economy is well known. Time and again, Indian travellers have been urged by the people of the island nation to return and give their economy a much-needed boost. Now, amidst the declining numbers of Indian tourists visiting Maldives amid strained bilateral relations, the archipelago nation’s tourism minister issued a plea for Indians to contribute to the country’s tourism-dependent economy.

Maldivian Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal, in a recent interview highlighted the historical ties between the two countries and emphasised a need for collaboration. “We have a history. Our newly-elected government also wants to work together (with India). We always promote peace and a friendly environment. Our people and the government will give a warm welcome to Indian arrivals. As the tourism minister, I want to tell Indians to please be a part of Maldives’ tourism. Our economy depends on tourism,” he said.

Indian travellers started to boycott Maldives following derogatory remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media by three Maldivian officials after the PM posted images of the scenic Lakshadweep Islands on January 6. The Maldives faced significant backlash and many Indian tourists, including celebrities, cancelled reservations and plans to visit the Maldives. The impact was evident in tourism arrival statistics, with India’s position dropping from the top to sixth spot.

Also read: ‘Boycott Maldives’ as travel destination will hit hard as Indians top travellers to island nation: Maldivian leader

Since then, Indian footfalls have been dropping significantly. According reports, tourist arrivals from India decreased by 42 percent in the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year. Despite starting the year as the top tourist market for the Maldives, India quickly fell to sixth place.

Tourism Ministry data revealed a notable decline, with 43,991 tourist arrivals from India recorded as of May 4, compared to 73,785 arrivals during the same period last year.

The report attributed this decline to strained relations between India and the Maldives following the assumption of office by President Mohamed Muizzu’s new administration in November last year. Muizzu, perceived as a pro-China leader, has vowed to fulfil his election promise of removing Indian military personnel from the Maldives. This move, including the withdrawal of 88 Indian military personnel from aviation platforms gifted by India, further strained relations between the two neighbours.

Moreover, India-Maldives ties faced challenges, with Muizzu winning the presidential elections with an “India Out” campaign. Despite being a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow