Amidst strained bilateral ties and a decline in tourism, the Maldives’ tourism minister, Ibrahim Faisal, made an appeal to Indian tourists. Speaking to PTI in Dubai, Faisal highlighted the longstanding ties between India and the Maldives, emphasizing the importance of tourism to the archipelago’s economy. He invited Indian tourists to visit the Maldives, assuring them of a warm welcome.
The minister’s plea comes after a significant decline in Indian tourism to the Maldives. Statistics indicate a 42% drop in Indian tourist arrivals during the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year. This decline is attributed to strained relations following the inauguration of President Mohamed Muizzu’s pro-China administration.
President Muizzu has pursued measures to reduce the Maldives’ reliance on India, including the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the country. Despite these tensions, the tourism minister’s appeal underscores the economic significance of Indian tourism to the Maldives.
However, the minister’s request may face challenges given the ongoing diplomatic tensions and the perception among some Indians of an anti-India stance by the Maldivian government. Whether Indian tourists will heed the minister’s call and return to the Maldives in significant numbers remains to be seen.
